Chemical wood pulp market in New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The New Zealand chemical wood pulp market contracted significantly between 2018 and 2023, with domestic volume falling from 383 thousand tonnes to 286 thousand tonnes. This decline was driven by a substantial reduction in local production, which decreased from 765 thousand tonnes to 659 thousand tonnes over the period.

Despite a temporary production increase in 2019, output entered a sustained downward trend thereafter. High export volumes, consistently above 400 thousand tonnes annually, further limited the pulp available for domestic consumption, compounding the market's contraction.

Import flows added volatility to domestic supply, notably dropping to 27.5 thousand tonnes in 2023. The overall shrinkage in market size reflects the combined effect of declining production and a persistent focus on export markets.

Production chemical wood pulp in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand maintained the 20th 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

New Zealand's chemical wood pulp production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 732.0 K t, marking a 2.4% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 792.5 K t, which saw a 3.5% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 5.4%.

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

Exports chemical wood pulp from New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

Chemical wood pulp exports from New Zealand declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 430.6 K t, representing a modest decrease of 6.5% compared to the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 477.6 K t, which experienced a significant increase of 12.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, South Korea, and Australia emerged as the primary markets for New Zealand's chemical wood pulp exports in volume terms. China accounted for 33.7% of exports, South Korea for 16.4%, and Australia for 15.6%. Together, these three countries represented 65.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, New Zealand's chemical wood pulp export value increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 326.8 M $ US, reflecting a substantial advance of 35.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, export value decreased by 6.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 241.7 M $ US, following the largest decline of 20.2% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Australia, and South Korea were the main destinations for New Zealand's chemical wood pulp exports in value terms. China held a 30.3% share, Australia 17.1%, and South Korea 15.7%. Collectively, these markets accounted for 63.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports chemical wood pulp to New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, foreign chemical wood pulp supplies to New Zealand declined. In 2021, imports totaled 45.6 K t, showing a slight decrease of 3.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 8%, with an annualized rate of 2.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 47.1 K t, which saw the largest increase of 9.7%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Chile and Brazil were the core sources for New Zealand's chemical wood pulp imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 83.8% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, imported chemical wood pulp volumes to New Zealand increased. In 2021, imports reached 30.9 M $ US, marking a steep improvement of 28.4% over the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 24.1 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 15.9%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Chile and Brazil were the main sources for New Zealand's chemical wood pulp imports in value terms, jointly taking 80.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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