Non wood fibre pulp market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the non-wood fibre pulp market in Latin America and the Caribbean grew modestly to 674 thousand tons. This increase was driven by rising demand for biodegradable and skin-friendly fibres, fueled by greater environmental awareness and a shift toward sustainable textiles.

The market contracted sharply to 622 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regional supply chains for the pulp and paper industry. Further decline to 542 thousand tons by 2022 followed the tightening of environmental policies regulating sustainable production and deforestation, alongside new market access and labeling rules that affected industry operations.

A stabilization occurred in 2023, with the market volume holding at 544 thousand tons. This was supported by the entry of new players into high-performance fibre segments and an increased adoption of cellulose fibres in the textile and apparel sector, which helped counterbalance earlier losses.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Latin America and the Caribbean

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 Latin America and the Caribbean has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 557.1 thousand tonnes, representing a 4.9% year-on-year decrease. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 592.6 thousand tonnes, when output grew by 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, non-wood fibre pulp production in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a downturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 357.7 million US dollars, marking a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value increased by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 364.4 million US dollars, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 13.6% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 566 tonnes, while the highest was observed in 2020 at 6 306 tonnes - representing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Latin America and the Caribbean surged by 302.6% compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 43.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, export destinations were quite diverse. The United States accounted for 17.6% of exports, followed by unspecified Asian countries at 13.1%, and China at 9.7%. Together, these three markets represented 40.4% of total exports, while the remaining 59.6% went to numerous other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 974 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 4 049 thousand US dollars - a 4.2-fold difference. In 2020, export value jumped by 315.5% compared to the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 39.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the largest buyer of non-wood fibre pulp from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 27.0% of export value. France followed with 8.6%, and China with 5.7%. Together, these three countries represented 41.3% of total export value, indicating a relatively diversified market.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean imported 71 069 tonnes of non-wood fibre pulp, representing a 20.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 7.1%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 2.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 89 864 tonnes, when imports grew by 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada was the dominant supplier, accounting for 44.5% of imports by volume. The United States followed with 17.5%, and Germany with 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 73.3% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Non-wood fibre pulp imports to Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 62 600 thousand US dollars, representing a 9.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 11.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 72 255 thousand US dollars, when imports increased by 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada accounted for 30.9% of import value, followed by the United States at 29.4%, and Germany at 13.9%. These three countries together represented 74.1% of total import value, forming the key supplier group for Latin America and the Caribbean.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020