U.S. Charcoal Market Size & Share Analysis - Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2025 - 2032)

The U.S. charcoal market is set to experience significant growth, expected to rise from 17.1 million tons in 2024 to 23.9 million tons by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.4%. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of outdoor grilling and barbecuing, which is a deeply ingrained cultural activity in the U.S. Additionally, charcoal's application in industrial sectors, especially as a reducing agent in blast furnaces, supports demand. With growing environmental concerns, there is a notable shift towards eco-friendly charcoal options made from sustainable resources, driving innovation in the market.

Key Insights

The U.S. charcoal market is projected to grow from 17.1 million tons in 2024 to 23.9 million tons by 2032, at a 4.4% CAGR, driven by outdoor grilling culture and industrial applications.

Charcoal briquettes dominate the market, holding 40% of the share in 2024, and are expected to grow at the highest CAGR (4.8%) due to their consistent heat output, making them popular for barbecues and grilling.

Barbecuing is the largest and fastest-growing application segment, particularly during the summer and weekends, reflecting the cultural significance of outdoor grilling in the U.S.

The shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly charcoal is accelerating, with consumers increasingly seeking products made from renewable resources such as coconut shells and agricultural waste.

Environmental concerns, including deforestation and emissions during charcoal production, remain challenges for the industry, pushing manufacturers to adopt cleaner, more sustainable production methods.

Portable charcoal grills are growing in popularity, especially for outdoor activities like camping, due to their affordability and ease of use, contributing to increased demand for charcoal.

Despite the rising popularity of electricity and gas for cooking, charcoal remains a preferred choice due to its distinctive flavor-enhancing properties and lower environmental impact compared to traditional coal or wood.