Chemical wood pulp market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Brazilian chemical wood pulp market volume stood at 5 528 thousand tons. The following year, it contracted to 4 059 thousand tons, partly due to rising eucalyptus wood prices that increased production costs and reduced output. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted demand patterns: a decline in pulp for graphic paper was offset by higher demand for tissue and packaging materials driven by e-commerce growth, helping the market volume recover to 4 487 thousand tons.

Market volume expanded to 5 802 thousand tons in 2021, supported by strong demand for wood used in pulp and paper, which stimulated production. The introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) also began to affect the market, requiring greater traceability. In 2022, volume fell to 4 708 thousand tons as global inflation, higher input and transport costs, and supply chain disruptions from the war in Ukraine boosted exports of Brazilian pulp, reducing domestic availability. By 2023, the market stabilized at 4 725 thousand tons, with continued high exports and steady wood demand.

Moving into 2024 and 2025, the industry continues to face regulatory challenges such as the EUDR, necessitating investments in sustainability and traceability. Modernization efforts, including upgrades to dewatering and sensory control processes, aim to enhance product quality and global competitiveness.

Production chemical wood pulp in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

On a global scale, Brazil was the world's second-largest producer of chemical wood pulp from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2018-2021

World map of production of chemical wood pulp, 2018-2021

Brazil's chemical wood pulp production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 21,876 thousand tons, marking a 7.3% year-over-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 6.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 19,202 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 6.4% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Brazil's chemical wood pulp production rebounded in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 9,049 million US dollars, up 19.4% from 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, production value fell by 19%, averaging an annual decrease of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 7,579 million US dollars, with the steepest drop of 19.2% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports chemical wood pulp from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil's chemical wood pulp export volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 16,250 thousand tons, showing a modest 1.0% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 7%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were the core destinations for Brazil's chemical wood pulp exports in volume terms. China accounted for 44.8% of exports, the United States for 14.5%, and the Netherlands for 8.9%, together making up 68.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Brazil's chemical wood pulp exports in value terms saw an upturn. In 2021, exports totaled 6,722 million US dollars, a 12.3% increase from the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, export value decreased by 18.7%, averaging an annual decline of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 5,984 million US dollars, with the largest drop of 19.9% also in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and Italy were the top buyers of Brazilian chemical wood pulp in value terms. China represented 43.5% of exports, the United States 15.0%, and Italy 9.0%, collectively accounting for 67.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports chemical wood pulp to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

Brazil's chemical wood pulp imports in volume terms declined in 2021, reaching 176 thousand tons, down 10.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 9.7%, with an average annual decrease of 3.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 148 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2020 at 197 thousand tons. The largest decline of 23.8% occurred in 2019, followed by the biggest increase of 32.7% in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina and the United States were the primary sources for Brazil's chemical wood pulp imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 84.0% of total imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Brazil's chemical wood pulp imports in value terms rose in 2021, amounting to 156 million US dollars, a 10.5% increase from 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, import value decreased by 5.1%, averaging an annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 141 million US dollars, with the largest drop of 20.6% also in 2020, while the highest value was in 2019 at 177 million US dollars.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina and the United States dominated Brazil's chemical wood pulp imports in value terms, jointly absorbing 84.1% of total imports, with the rest distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021