Chemical wood pulp market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The Czech chemical wood pulp market expanded sharply from 340 thousand tons in 2018 to 469 thousand tons in 2019. This growth occurred alongside the established production structure, with sulfite pulp manufactured solely in Paskov and sulfate pulp only in Štětí, under mixed state-private ownership. The market then stabilized in 2020 at 469 thousand tons, as a bark beetle infestation and rising timber prices constrained raw material availability for pulp production.

Market volume resumed growth, reaching 525 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 589 thousand tons in 2022, despite mounting cost pressures from higher energy prices and increased demand for fuel wood linked to the war in Ukraine. During this period, the industry saw strategic shifts, notably Essity's investment in wheat-straw pulp as an alternative to fresh wood pulp, altering raw material sourcing. New chemical legislation courses introduced in mid-2022 also adjusted labeling and safety data sheet requirements for production processes.

The market contracted significantly to 386 thousand tons in 2023. In June 2024, the government approved a Raw Material Policy for Wood aimed at securing sustainable timber production and reducing import dependence, which could support future pulp raw material stability.

Production chemical wood pulp in Czechia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Czechia maintained the 23rd position globally in terms of chemical wood pulp production volume.

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2018-2021

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

Czechia's chemical wood pulp production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 611 K t of chemical wood pulp, representing a modest increase of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 78%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 21.2%.

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

Exports chemical wood pulp from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

Chemical wood pulp exports from Czechia increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 374.6 K t, marking a moderate rise of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 41.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Germany, and Austria consistently served as the main destinations for Czechia's chemical wood pulp exports in kind. China accounted for 51.4% of exports, Germany for 23.8%, and Austria for 9.4%, together making up 84.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Czechia's chemical wood pulp exports in monetary terms amounted to 310.5 M $ US, showing a significant uptick of 43.2% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 27.8%, with a CAGR of 8.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 216.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 14.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Germany, and Austria led as the top buyers of chemical wood pulp from Czechia in value terms. China represented 54.9% of exports, Germany 23.7%, and Austria 8.9%, with their combined share reaching 87.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports chemical wood pulp to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

Chemical wood pulp imports into Czechia rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached a total of value_last_year K t, which is 24.7% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 10%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 228.7 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States, Finland, and Slovakia were the primary sources for Czechia's chemical wood pulp imports in kind, together accounting for 51.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, chemical wood pulp imports into Czechia rebounded in 2021, reaching 213.9 M $ US, a substantial increase of 51.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 141.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Finland, and Sweden remained the leading sources in the country structure of Czechia's chemical wood pulp imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 31.7% of imports, Finland for 13.3%, and Sweden for 9.9%, with their combined share totaling 54.8% of total import flows.

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

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