Non wood fibre pulp market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for pulp from non-wood fibres in South America declined from 426.2 Kt in 2018 to 321.8 Kt in 2022 before recovering to 340.7 Kt in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly reduced demand for dissolving pulp, which contributed to the drop in overall market volume. Subsequent years saw a global push for sustainable materials and low-carbon alternatives, which helped stimulate the market's recovery as Brazilian producers invested in eco-friendly technologies and processes.

Key players like Suzano intensified investments in responsible forestry management and innovation, while the launch of new products such as Lycra EcoMade yarn reflected shifting consumer preferences towards renewable fibres. Regulatory advances and environmental certifications further directed the industry towards more sustainable practices, supporting the market expansion observed in 2023.

Production non wood fibre pulp in South America

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

South America's non-wood fibre pulp production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 369.0 K t of non-wood fibre pulp, representing a 7.2% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2018 at 404.5 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of non-wood fibre pulp in South America reached 244.5 M $ US, marking a notable gain of 11.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 218.8 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.9%. The maximum value occurred in 2018 at 295.2 M $ US.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from South America

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South America's non-wood fibre pulp export volume stood at 5 683 t, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 244.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for non-wood fibre pulp in kind was quite diverse. The United States accounted for 22.2% of exports, China for 12.1%, and Guatemala for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 44.7% of total export flows, while the remaining 55.3% was distributed among many other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 4.4-fold fluctuation. In 2020, cross-border shipments of non-wood fibre pulp from South America amounted to 3 766 K $ US, marking a significant gain of 314.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 35.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner portfolio for non-wood fibre pulp in value terms was quite broad. The United States accounted for 30.2% of export value, France for 9.7%, and Guatemala for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.5% of total export flows, indicating a diversified trading pattern.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America's imports of non-wood fibre pulp increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 36 807 t, up by 38.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 61.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the largest contributor to imports in kind, accounting for 38.2% of the total. Germany followed with 23.6%, and China with 10.8%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 72.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, South America's imports of non-wood fibre pulp in value terms increased again. In 2020, imports were recorded at 36 673 K $ US, constituting a sharp increase of 36.1% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 26 949 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States led as the top supplier of non-wood fibre pulp to South America in value terms, accounting for 48.5% of imports. Germany followed with 23.3%, and China with 15.1%. Their combined share reached 86.9% of total imports in value terms, indicating a concentrated supplier base.

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

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