Dissolving wood pulp market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

Production of dissolving wood pulp in the Americas grew from 2 446 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 037 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by increasing global demand for sustainably renewable materials, particularly for use in textiles, cigarette filters, and other consumer products. Technological advancements in pulp processing and significant investments by major industry players, such as new integrated production facilities, supported this rise in output.

The market size, measured in volume, fluctuated during this period, reaching a peak of 1 578 thousand tons in 2021 before declining to 1 423 thousand tons in 2023. These movements were influenced by volatility in raw material and energy prices, which affected production economics, and by supply chain disruptions that impacted trade flows. Furthermore, existing tariffs on American viscose pulp suppliers and shifts in global demand patterns contributed to changes in export volumes, which in turn affected domestic market availability.

A longer-term industry trend saw several traditional paper-grade pulp producers shifting their capacity towards dissolving pulp production, increasing overall supply. This structural change, coupled with the market's high capital intensity and ongoing industry consolidation, shaped the competitive landscape throughout the period.

Production dissolving wood pulp in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dissolving wood pulp, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, the Americas' dissolving wood pulp production volume declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 2,457 K t. However, in 2020, output fell to 2,413 K t, marking a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 1.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The Americas' dissolving wood pulp production declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, production value peaked at 1,921 M $ US. By 2020, it had dropped to 1,494 M $ US, representing a 17.4% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 18.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 4.5%.

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

Exports dissolving wood pulp from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign dissolving wood pulp supplies from the Americas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 1,109 K t. By 2020, they had fallen to 977 K t, a 2.1% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for dissolving wood pulp exports from the Americas in kind were China, India, and Indonesia. China accounted for 59.7% of exports, India for 11.0%, and Indonesia for 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 77.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Dissolving wood pulp deliveries from the Americas declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, export value peaked at 871.5 M $ US. By 2020, it had decreased to 604.9 M $ US, a 17.6% year-over-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 26.2%, with a CAGR of -9.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for dissolving wood pulp exports from the Americas in value terms were China, India, and Indonesia. Together, they accounted for 74.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dissolving wood pulp to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, the Americas' dissolving wood pulp imports increased. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 17 K t. In 2020, they rose to 25 K t, a 43.4% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 19.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three main sources for dissolving wood pulp imports to the Americas in kind were Norway, Sweden, and South Africa. Together, they accounted for 25.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2017, import volumes were at their lowest, while they peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.7 times. In 2020, the Americas' volume of dissolving wood pulp imports was recorded at 29.3 M $ US, reflecting a 13.2% year-over-year uptick. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 66.0 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 60.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 174.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the key partners for dissolving wood pulp imports to the Americas in value terms were Norway, Sweden, and South Africa. Norway accounted for 12.4% of imports, Sweden for 8.1%, and South Africa for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented 23.3% of total import flows.

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

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