Non wood fibre pulp market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for non-wood fibre pulp in Sweden expanded significantly, with volume growing from 380.8 thousand tonnes to 514.8 thousand tonnes. This period was marked by industry innovation, including Södra's launch of the OnceMore concept to recycle textile fibres into new pulp, which enhanced production capabilities. Steady international demand for dissolving pulp further supported Swedish manufacturers, while planned investments of SEK 65 billion into the forest industry from 2020 signaled a commitment to expanding and modernizing production capacity.

After a contraction to 476.8 thousand tonnes in 2021, the market rebounded sharply to 552.8 thousand tonnes in 2022. The recovery aligned with the introduction of the EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which set stricter standards for recycled content and recyclability. This regulatory shift prompted Swedish companies to scale up production of cellulose-based packaging as a substitute for fossil-derived materials, directly stimulating demand for pulp.

Market volume then fell to 406.7 thousand tonnes in 2023 and declined slightly further to 385.8 thousand tonnes in 2024. During this later phase, the industry maintained its focus on sustainable innovation, such as fossil-free production processes and circular economy principles, with major players like Domsjö Fabriker and Södra continuing to develop environmentally friendly fibre products.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 257.5 million US dollars, marking a moderate 7.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 301.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 20.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest decline of 8.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of non-wood fibre pulp by volume, solidifying its position among the global leaders.

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, non-wood fibre pulp production in Sweden fell. In 2020, Sweden produced 576.6 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest 7.6% drop compared to the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production rose by 10.6%, translating to an average annual increase of 3.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 624.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest jump of 17.0%.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp exports decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 323.2 thousand tonnes, a sharp 21.4% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports fell by 19.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 7.1%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 421.0 thousand tonnes, which recorded the largest increase of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Italy, and India were the top destinations for Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp exports by volume. China accounted for 21.8% of exports, Italy for 16.0%, and India for 13.6%, together making up 51.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp exports dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 139.3 million US dollars, a significant 32.6% fall from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 31.4%, with an average annual drop of 11.8%. The peak was in 2018 at 258.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest rise of 27.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and India contributed the most to Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp export value. China held 26.1% of exports, Italy 14.7%, and India 12.2%, collectively representing 52.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp imports reached 261.4 thousand tonnes, a robust 15.9% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 13.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 225.5 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 16.0%. The highest was in 2018 at 268.5 thousand tonnes, recording the biggest increase of 16.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland was the dominant source for Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp imports by volume, capturing 81.7% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp imports totaled 121.3 million US dollars, a moderate 3.1% gain from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 2.7%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 117.7 million US dollars, which experienced the steepest drop of 19.6%. The highest was in 2018 at 146.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland remained the leading partner for Sweden's non-wood fibre pulp imports by value, holding a 71.4% share of total flows, with other markets contributing smaller portions.

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

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