Non wood fibre pulp market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-wood fibre pulp in Eastern Asia expanded from 8 487 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 11 816 thousand tonnes in 2023. This growth was initially driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which spurred a surge in demand for molded pulp packaging, particularly for food and egg cartons for home use. Subsequently, government policies promoting eco-friendly packaging, including plastic restrictions and green labelling schemes, further stimulated consumption from 2022 onward.

Production volumes fluctuated during this period, declining from 6 160 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 5 308 thousand tonnes in 2020 before recovering to 5 803 thousand tonnes by 2023. The introduction of stricter quality regulations, such as the 'prohibition of contaminated wood mixing' for non-wood pulp raw materials announced by the Forest Service in 2021, required enhanced labelling and certification, which affected output. However, major companies announced new production lines in 2023, supporting the recovery. Imports rose steadily from 2 401 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 6 146 thousand tonnes in 2023, filling the gap between domestic production and growing demand.

In 2024, import tariffs on non-wood fibre pulp were eased in key trade blocs including China, Japan, and Europe, directly altering the trade environment for Eastern Asia.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

Non-wood fibre pulp production in Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 5 308 K t, marking a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 160 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of non-wood fibre pulp production in Eastern Asia dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 5 230 M $ US, representing a 34.4% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, the value decreased by 47.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -19.5%.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Non-wood fibre pulp exports from Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 136 K t, which is a 57.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 89.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for non-wood fibre pulp exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 8.2% of exports, Thailand for 4.7%, and Germany for 3.9%, together making up only 16.8% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among numerous smaller partners, each with modest individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Non-wood fibre pulp exports from Eastern Asia in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 134 M $ US, showing a robust 15.6% growth compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 115 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of non-wood fibre pulp exports in value terms was highly diversified. The Netherlands represented 11.9% of exports, Thailand 7.1%, and Germany 4.8%, together accounting for only 23.8% of total flows. The remaining 76.2% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Non-wood fibre pulp imports into Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 3 883 K t, which is 29.2% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 67.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada, New Zealand, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) formed the core of non-wood fibre pulp imports in kind. Canada accounted for 54.5% of imports, New Zealand for 10.0%, and Asia for 5.6%, together comprising 70.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, non-wood fibre pulp imports into Eastern Asia amounted to 1 661 M $ US, reflecting a strong 11.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 23.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States accounted for the largest share of non-wood fibre pulp imports in value terms. Canada represented 56.1% of imports, New Zealand 9.7%, and the United States 5.2%, together making up 71.1% of total flows.

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

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