Non wood fibre pulp market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the European non-wood fibre pulp market volume expanded from 4.3 million tonnes to 4.7 million tonnes. This growth was driven by increasing demand for sustainable, biodegradable textiles and hygiene products, which spurred the development of new pulp types. Technological advances in fibre processing, such as the introduction of Lyocell, created further opportunities, while environmental labels like FSC and Blue Angel encouraged the use of alternative fibres. Global supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs also affected import volumes and production expenses during this period.

In 2023, market volume fell to 4.1 million tonnes, reflecting a decline in production across the European pulp and paper industry. High raw material costs and the persistent need for sustainable sourcing posed challenges, even as companies like Kelheim Fibres invested in sustainability improvements and product innovation to strengthen the specialty fibre segment.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Europe

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

Europe produced 4 445.8 thousand tonnes of non-wood fibre pulp in 2020, marking a 5.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 0.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Europe's non-wood fibre pulp production volume experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 272 million US dollars, representing an 11.3% year-on-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 3 691 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 21.2%.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Europe exported 1 290 thousand tonnes of non-wood fibre pulp, a dramatic 26.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.6%, averaging an annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 1 017 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 450 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 29.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, India, and Turkey were the largest buyers of non-wood fibre pulp from Europe, though none dominated the market. China accounted for 9.7% of exports in kind, India for 7.2%, and Turkey for 2.1%. Together, these three countries represented 19.0% of total exports, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, non-wood fibre pulp exports from Europe amounted to 949 million US dollars, a 7.0% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 888 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 1 044 million US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a 15.0% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, with an 11.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Europe's non-wood fibre pulp exports in value terms. China held 11.5% of exports, India 6.5%, and Turkey 1.9%, collectively accounting for 19.9% of total export value. The remaining 80.1% was shared among many smaller partners, each with modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe imported 1 202 thousand tonnes of non-wood fibre pulp in 2020, up 5.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 1 138 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 539 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 26.0% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a 34.4% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of non-wood fibre pulp to Europe were spread across a wide range of markets. Norway accounted for 7.5% of imports in kind, Switzerland for 6.2%, and Canada for 5.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 19.4% of total import flows, with the rest distributed among many other nations.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported non-wood fibre pulp volumes in Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 913 million US dollars, down 7.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 5.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 004 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 15.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the market base for imports in value terms was broad. The Philippines accounted for 11.5% of imports, the United States for 7.0%, and Canada for 5.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 23.8% of total import flows, with the remaining 76.2% shared among numerous other countries.

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

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