Chemical wood pulp market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, chemical wood pulp production in ASEAN increased from 9.2 million tonnes to 11 million tonnes. This growth was supported by the wider adoption of improved pulping processes like kraft and sulfite, which enhanced fiber quality for paper and packaging applications. Concurrently, the official recognition of chemical wood pulp in international production classification systems and over 320 certified sustainable fiber programs helped producers meet environmental standards, facilitating market access.

Volatility in raw material and energy costs affected operational margins throughout the period, contributing to fluctuations in market value. The integration of digital technologies and advanced process control from 2021 onward further optimized production efficiency. Although global supply chain disruptions influenced trade, ASEAN's export volumes rose steadily, reaching 7.9 million tonnes in 2023.

Demand for chemical wood pulp in packaging, printing paper, and hygiene products remained strong, with the Asia-Pacific region, including ASEAN, driving global consumption growth. This sustained demand, coupled with investments in new production lines and technology, underpinned the region's expanding output and export capacity.

Production chemical wood pulp in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

In 2019, ASEAN's chemical wood pulp production saw a slight decline of 0.4%. However, this was followed by a recovery in 2020, with output reaching 9 780 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 6.8% compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. The most significant expansion occurred in 2018, when production surged by 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

ASEAN's chemical wood pulp production in value terms has been on a downward trend for two consecutive years. In 2019, the value dropped sharply by 15.5%, and this decline continued into 2020, with production valued at 4 597 million US dollars, down 12.2% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 6 192 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 33.3% during the period.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chemical wood pulp from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

ASEAN's exports of chemical wood pulp in volume have been growing steadily for three years in a row. In 2020, exports reached 7 388 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate year-on-year increase of 9.1%. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports expanded significantly by 42.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated ASEAN's chemical wood pulp exports in volume, accounting for 72.4% of the total. The remaining exports were distributed among a variety of other markets, each with smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, ASEAN's chemical wood pulp exports in value terms experienced a decline in 2020. Exports amounted to 3 473 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 10.3% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 871 million US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports still managed to increase by 23.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The most notable rise occurred in 2018, with a 35.6% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, China was the dominant player in ASEAN's chemical wood pulp exports by value, holding 74.1% of the total. The rest of the export value was spread across numerous countries, each contributing relatively small individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020

Imports chemical wood pulp to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's imports of chemical wood pulp in volume have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 2 506 thousand tonnes, representing a solid decrease of 13.1% from the previous year. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 3 066 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 12.8% that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.8%, averaging an annual decline of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and South Africa were the top suppliers of chemical wood pulp to ASEAN in volume terms, contributing 22.1%, 16.5%, and 6.4% of imports, respectively. However, their combined share was only 44.9% of total imports, indicating a diversified sourcing structure with many other countries involved.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's imports of chemical wood pulp in value terms have fallen for two years in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 1 896 million US dollars, showing a notable drop of 19.6% compared to 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 2 635 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 32.6%. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 4.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the 2017–2020 period, ASEAN's imports of chemical wood pulp in value terms came from a wide range of partners. The United States, Canada, and South Africa were the leading suppliers, accounting for 24.2%, 18.5%, and 7.2% of import value, respectively. Together, they represented 49.9% of total imports, highlighting the broad and varied nature of the import portfolio.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020