Chemical wood pulp market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The chemical wood pulp market in South-eastern Asia saw its volume decline from 6.6 million tonnes in 2018 to 4.9 million tonnes in 2020. This contraction was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted construction activity—a key consumer of wood products—while increased e-commerce during the same period stimulated demand for packaging paper, moderating the overall drop. Indonesia's established dominance in tropical log production and plywood exports provided a stable regional supply backdrop throughout this period.

Market volume recovered to 5.3 million tonnes in 2021 as construction demand rebounded, leading to a surge in wood pulp prices. The industry simultaneously embraced sustainability initiatives, such as hydrogen peroxide bleaching and bio-based material innovation. Regulatory pressure on environmental compliance intensified in 2022, contributing to a stabilized market volume around 5.1 million tonnes. By 2023, volume continued to grow, reaching 5.7 million tonnes, indicating sustained post-pandemic recovery.

Production chemical wood pulp in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chemical wood pulp, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, South-eastern Asia produced 9 780 K t of chemical wood pulp, representing a 6.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.2%, averaging 4.5% annually. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.4% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Chemical wood pulp production in South-eastern Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 597 M $ US, marking a substantial 12.2% decrease compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 192 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 15.5% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, at 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chemical wood pulp from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

South-eastern Asia's chemical wood pulp exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 7 388 K t, up 9.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 42.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated the export structure in kind, accounting for 72.4% of total flows, while other destinations contributed relatively small shares.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After rising for two years, chemical wood pulp exports from South-eastern Asia declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 3 473 M $ US, down 10.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 871 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 35.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, chemical wood pulp exports in value terms from South-eastern Asia were heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 74.1% of total flows, with other countries making up the remaining share.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports chemical wood pulp to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

South-eastern Asia's chemical wood pulp imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 506 K t, which is 13.1% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.8%, averaging a 2.7% annual decline. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 066 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in kind was highly diversified. The United States (22.1% of imports in kind), Canada (16.5%), and South Africa (6.4%) together accounted for 44.9% of total flows, with numerous smaller markets comprising the remaining 55.1%.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Chemical wood pulp imports to South-eastern Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 896 M $ US, indicating a 19.6% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 635 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, chemical wood pulp imports in value terms to South-eastern Asia were not concentrated on a few key markets. The United States (24.2% of imports in value terms), Canada (18.5%), and South Africa (7.2%) jointly accounted for 49.9% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020