Non wood fibre pulp market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for non-wood fibre pulp in Japan contracted sharply from 131.7 thousand tonnes to 22.6 thousand tonnes. This decline was primarily driven by the digitalization trend that reduced demand for printing paper, as highlighted in 2020, prompting the paper industry to shift towards packaging and sanitary paper applications. Concurrently, environmental regulations tightened, increasing production costs and contributing to a drop in imports.

Despite a reported rise in demand for sustainable products and plastic alternatives from 2021, which encouraged eco-friendly pulp development, the overall market continued to shrink. Imports fell from 127.9 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 37.0 thousand tonnes in 2023, while exports surged from 2.2 thousand tonnes to 18.7 thousand tonnes, aided by technological advancements and enhanced recycling capabilities noted in 2023. Government policies promoting carbon neutrality, as emphasized in 2022, further influenced market dynamics by encouraging resource efficiency.

In later years, government support for environment-friendly materials, evidenced in 2024, bolstered segments like broadleaf and chemical pulp. Factors such as expanding hygiene product demand and innovations in green chemistry were reported in 2025, reflecting ongoing industry shifts despite the earlier contraction in market volume.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2018-2021

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 5 000 tonnes of non-wood fibre pulp, showing little to no change compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 5 000 tonnes, with the largest decline of 16.7% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 0.0%. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 16.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Non-wood fibre pulp production in Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 477 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant reduction of 10.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 26.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

Non-wood fibre pulp exports from Japan increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 1.9 thousand tonnes, which is 34.2% higher year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 52.6% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 34.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, China played the leading role in exports by volume, accounting for 71.5% of total flows, while other markets together made up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Japan's non-wood fibre pulp exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1.3 million US dollars, showing a substantial increase of 20.7% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 51.4% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 28.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China (53.8% of exports by value), Hong Kong (18.4%), and South Korea (13.1%) were the largest buyers of non-wood fibre pulp from Japan, together accounting for 85.2% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's non-wood fibre pulp imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported a total of 81.9 thousand tonnes, down by 1.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 35.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand (57.6% of imports by volume), Canada (13.7%), and China (8.9%) consistently remained the main sources for imports by volume, together accounting for 80.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, Japan's non-wood fibre pulp imports increased. In 2021, Japan imported 101.5 million US dollars worth of non-wood fibre pulp, showing a significant gain of 17.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 86.6 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 20.7% occurring that year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 20.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, New Zealand (21.9% of imports by value), the United States (19.0%), and the Philippines (17.1%) remained the key sources for imports by value, together accounting for 58.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021