Non wood fibre pulp market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-wood fibre pulp in Northern Africa began the period at 559.7 thousand tons in 2018, then contracted to 517.6 thousand tons in 2019. It recovered to 537.9 thousand tons in 2020, a turnaround supported by the publication of a detailed industry memo in France that enhanced market transparency for technical plant fibers, facilitating greater engagement from upstream and downstream players.

After stabilizing around 531.5 thousand tons in 2021, bolstered by increased adoption of bio-based construction materials using technical plant fibers like hemp, the market grew to 560.6 thousand tons in 2022. This expansion was fueled by the launch of new fiber-based packaging solutions, including fully fiber drums, and supportive EU regulatory frameworks that promoted the valorization of agricultural fiber biomass. However, the market fell to 507.0 thousand tons in 2023 as persistently high costs for woody fibers elevated production expenses, countering stable global demand for sustainable cellulosic products.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Northern Africa

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 Northern Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 122.0 K t, which was 3.9% lower than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.7%, with an average annual decrease of 1.6%. The only increase during this time was a minimal 0.0% in 2018.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility over these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.3 K t, then surged to a peak of 2.5 K t in 2019—a 7.4-fold increase. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 1.0 K t of non-wood fibre pulp, marking a sharp decline of 62.1% from the previous year. The largest drop occurred in 2018 at 67.5%, while the biggest rise was in 2019 with a 642.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Africa's non-wood fibre pulp exports were heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 70.9% of total flows. All other countries combined made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, non-wood fibre pulp shipments from Northern Africa to abroad were valued at 0.2 M $ US, down 60.7% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 78.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 40.5%. The largest drop was in 2018 at 64.6%, while the biggest increase came in 2019 with a 51.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, China, and Japan dominated the export structure in value terms. Spain accounted for 38.2% of exports, China for 35.5%, and Japan for 14.6%. Together, these three countries represented 88.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Africa's non-wood fibre pulp import volume was 416.8 K t, showing a modest increase of 6.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 393.1 K t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 432.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 9.0% drop.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, the United States, Brazil, and Finland were the main sources for non-wood fibre pulp imports to Northern Africa. The United States accounted for 29.8% of imports in kind, Brazil for 23.4%, and Finland for 22.5%. Together, these three countries absorbed 75.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Non-wood fibre pulp imports to Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 196.1 M $ US worth of non-wood fibre pulp, a reduction of 9.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 265.5 M $ US. The largest decline was in 2019 at 18.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 23.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Finland remained the primary destinations for non-wood fibre pulp imports to Northern Africa in value terms. The United States accounted for 30.0% of imports, Brazil for 23.3%, and Finland for 22.4%. Together, these three countries made up 75.7% of total imports.

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

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