Chemical wood pulp market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European chemical wood pulp market volume grew consistently from 30.1 million tonnes in 2018 to 34.1 million tonnes in 2021, reflecting a period of expansion. The most pronounced increase occurred in 2021, when the market grew by nearly 7% year-on-year.

This growth trajectory reversed in the following two years. Market volume contracted to 31.1 million tonnes in 2022, an 8.8% decline, and fell further to 29.2 million tonnes in 2023, a drop of 6.3%.

In 2024, the market environment was shaped by significant regulatory and technological developments. The European Union approved the use of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp for food packaging in May, expanding potential applications. Concurrently, major producer Suzano announced substantial investments in next-generation bleaching technology, indicating a continued industry focus on innovation and efficiency.

Production chemical wood pulp in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

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

Europe's chemical wood pulp production increased for two years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 31 297 K t. By 2020, it had fallen to 30 958 K t, representing a slight decrease of 1.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 2.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Europe's chemical wood pulp production value declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, it reached its highest point at 22 476 M $ US, with a notable increase of 12.1% that year. By 2020, the value had dropped to 20 027 M $ US, marking a substantial fall of 10.2% compared to 2019.

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

Exports chemical wood pulp from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Chemical wood pulp exports from Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 16 351 K t, showing a significant increase of 16.3%. The following year, in 2019, exports experienced their largest decline of 9.3%. By 2020, exports stood at 14 364 K t, a measured drop of 3.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's chemical wood pulp exports in volume terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. China accounted for 25.7% of exports, Turkey for 3.6%, and Indonesia for 1.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 30.7% of total exports, while numerous smaller destinations made up the remaining 69.3%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of chemical wood pulp exports from Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their maximum at 11 957 M $ US, with the largest increase of 27.4% recorded that year. By 2020, exports had fallen to 9 292 M $ US, marking a strong decline of 12.1% compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Europe's chemical wood pulp exports in value terms were spread across many partner countries. China represented 24.4% of exports, Turkey 3.4%, and Indonesia 1.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for only 29.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports chemical wood pulp to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After declining for two years, chemical wood pulp imports into Europe increased. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 14 878 K t, with the largest decline of 5.2% occurring that year. By 2020, imports had risen to 15 340 K t, representing a 3.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's chemical wood pulp imports in volume terms showed a scattered country distribution. Brazil accounted for 21.3% of imports, Uruguay for 8.8%, and the United States for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 37.4% of total imports, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of chemical wood pulp imports into Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their peak at 14 085 M $ US, with the largest increase of 23.5% recorded that year. The following year, in 2019, imports experienced their most significant decline of 20.0%. By 2020, imports had fallen to 9 181 M $ US, marking an 18.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 7.0%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that Europe's chemical wood pulp imports in value terms were not concentrated among a few key sources. Brazil accounted for 20.5% of imports, the United States for 9.4%, and Uruguay for 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 38.0% of total import value.

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

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