Chemical wood pulp market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The chemical wood pulp market in Northern Africa grew to 344.7 thousand tons in 2019, supported by rising global demand for packaging and hygiene products, alongside the broader adoption of sustainability certifications. This expansion was interrupted in 2020 when market volume fell to 313.4 thousand tons, as logistical disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic constrained raw material availability and distribution, despite increased demand for hygiene-related items.

Market volume recovered to 327.3 thousand tons in 2021, influenced by higher global pulp prices resulting from tight supply and rising energy costs. A pronounced jump followed in 2022, with consumption reaching 401.2 thousand tons, driven by stabilized production and a growing preference for traceable, sustainable packaging. Growth then moderated to 408.4 thousand tons in 2023, a period marked by new production line investments in China, strategic industry alliances, and the implementation of stricter product labeling regulations.

Production chemical wood pulp in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 41 000 tonnes of chemical wood pulp, showing only minor fluctuations compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports chemical wood pulp from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 0.6 thousand tonnes of chemical wood pulp, representing a significant year-over-year increase of 377.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 67.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal and Italy accounted for 81.6% of total exports in kind, with the remaining share distributed among other destinations that made smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 and reached their maximum in 2018, with a 5.1-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, chemical wood pulp exports from Northern Africa totaled 0.4 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp advance of 208.5% over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 million US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 0.6 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 80.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 361.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Senegal and Italy together accounting for 84.8% of total flows, while other partners formed a residual portion.

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

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

Imports chemical wood pulp to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Africa imported 0.0 thousand tonnes of chemical wood pulp, down by 10.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 303.8 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (48.8% of imports in kind), Finland (13.4% of imports in kind), and Spain (11.5% of imports in kind) remained the main suppliers of chemical wood pulp to Northern Africa, jointly forming 73.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of chemical wood pulp to Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Northern Africa imported 150.7 million US dollars of chemical wood pulp, indicating a drop of 22.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 23.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 228.0 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 16.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States (50.7% of imports in value terms), Finland (13.6% of imports in value terms), and Spain (10.5% of imports in value terms) led the ranking of suppliers of chemical wood pulp to Northern Africa, with their combined share reaching 74.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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