Chemical wood pulp market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the chemical wood pulp market in Asia expanded from 52 430 тыс. т to 60 455 тыс. т. This surge was fueled by robust demand from the packaging and tissue sectors across the Asia-Pacific region, which stimulated both local production and imports. The entry of new pulp mills adopting advanced kraft and sulfite processes further bolstered domestic output, supporting the overall market growth even as global production trends moderated slightly.

After a period of stabilization in 2021, where the market volume settled near 59 885 тыс. т, growth accelerated again through 2023, reaching 70 023 тыс. т. The temporary pause coincided with a sharp spike in import prices, which increased costs for Asian buyers and tempered import volumes. Subsequently, record-high global production levels and Asia's entrenched role as the primary consumption hub drove the market to new peaks. Technological advancements in pulping efficiency and a sustained industry focus on certified sustainable fiber programs contributed to this expansion, although persistent supply chain disruptions and volatile raw material costs presented ongoing challenges.

The underlying dynamics remained consistent into 2024, with the Asia-Pacific region firmly positioned as the dominant center for chemical wood pulp consumption. The structural shift toward chemical grades like kraft and dissolving pulp continued, shaped by environmental compliance initiatives and enduring cost volatility in energy and feedstock markets.

Production chemical wood pulp in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

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

Chemical wood pulp production in Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 31 760 K t of chemical wood pulp, marking a 5.2% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 14.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of chemical wood pulp production in Asia declined. In 2020, output was valued at 19 056 M $ US, representing an 11.1% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 7.5%, with an annualized rate of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 21 425 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.9%.

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

Exports chemical wood pulp from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia exported 6 334 K t of chemical wood pulp in 2020, a 6.1% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 30%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 0.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, was the top buyer of chemical wood pulp from Asia, accounting for 0.6% of the total share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of chemical wood pulp exports from Asia declined. In 2020, exports totaled 3 801 M $ US, a notable 10.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, export value increased by 22%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 4 236 M $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 34.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, was the main partner for exports in value terms, holding a 0.7% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports chemical wood pulp to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imported volumes of chemical wood pulp in Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia imported 35 029 K t, a solid 14.6% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil (23.9% of imports in kind), Canada (12.6%), and the United States (11.4%) were among the largest suppliers of chemical wood pulp to Asia. However, together they represented just 48.0% of total imports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of chemical wood pulp imports in Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 19 725 M $ US, which is 13.2% less than the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, import value decreased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 26 188 M $ US, the largest decline was in 2019 at 13.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 28.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (22.0% of imports in value terms), the United States (13.4%), and Canada (13.3%) were the largest but not dominant suppliers of chemical wood pulp to Asia. Together, they accounted for 48.7% of total imports in value terms, against a broad background of smaller partners.

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

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