Semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp began the period at a high of 953 thousand tons in 2018, supported by steady demand in the paper and packaging sector. However, a multi-year contraction followed, with the market falling to 818 thousand tons by 2020. This decline was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global textile production and reduced demand for dissolving wood pulp, a key related segment.

A decisive recovery started in 2021, with market size expanding to 903 thousand tons and then climbing sharply to 974 thousand tons in 2022. This rebound was driven by booming demand for most pulp and paper grades reported in 2022. Concurrently, major industry investments supported growth, notably Sappi's large-scale upgrade of its Saiccor mill to increase dissolving pulp capacity and its strategic closure of high-cost mills to improve efficiency and shift focus toward packaging and specialty products.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 977 thousand tons. Despite facing global supply chain disruptions and rising costs for wood fiber, the sector maintained output through continued mill conversions and a strong focus on sustainable production. The industry's resilience was further underpinned by high recycling rates and sustained demand linked to global sustainability trends.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of bleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

In Africa, production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 496.0 K t, marking a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 9.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) produced in Africa dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 193.6 M $ US, down 24.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, the value decreased by 53.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -22.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 440.1 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 41.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 6.5%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Africa's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in volume terms grew for the second year running. In 2020, exports hit 196.5 K t, showing a moderate increase of 3.6% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall exports decreased by 11.8%, averaging an annualized decline of 4.1%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 178.7 K t, which also saw the largest drop of 19.8%. The biggest increase was in 2019, with a 6.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Thailand, and Indonesia were the primary destinations for Africa's exports in volume terms. China accounted for 34.2% of exports, Thailand for 17.6%, and Indonesia for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 63.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Africa's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in value terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 76.7 M $ US, a 20.2% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 44.9%, with a CAGR of -18.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Thailand, and Indonesia formed the core of Africa's exports in value terms. China held a 31.1% share, Thailand 17.2%, and Indonesia 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 61.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Africa's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in volume terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 518.5 K t, up slightly by 1.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 27.8%, with a CAGR of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Finland were the main sources of Africa's imports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 46.8% of imports, Brazil for 16.0%, and Finland for 8.0%. Together, these three countries supplied 70.7% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of Africa's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 313.2 M $ US, reflecting a moderate reduction of 7.9% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 15.4%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 402.2 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 15.4% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 48.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States, Brazil, and Finland were the key sources for Africa's imports in value terms. The United States represented 49.8% of import value, Brazil 15.1%, and Finland 7.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 72.8% of total import value, making them the primary suppliers.

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

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