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

Earlier Report Observations

The Asian market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp showed significant expansion from 2018 to 2023, with its total volume rising from 45.1 million tons to 62.3 million tons. This growth was underpinned by a strong increase in regional production, which advanced from 26.6 million tons to 38.7 million tons over the same period.

Market volume experienced a notable surge in 2020, reaching 53.9 million tons, before a moderate correction in 2021 brought it down to 52.6 million tons. The market resumed its upward trajectory in the following two years, climbing to 59.2 million tons in 2022 and achieving a new peak of 62.3 million tons in 2023. Import flows varied throughout the period, contributing to the overall supply, while export levels remained broadly stable.

The period concluded with the market demonstrating a clear net growth, driven primarily by the consistent ramp-up of production capacity across the region.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Asia

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

Asia's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 29 157 K t, marking a moderate increase of 5.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Asia's production value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 14 610 M $ US, showing a significant decline of 17.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 904 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 16.6% that year.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Asia's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 5 094 K t, reflecting a slight drop of 1.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 13.8%, with an average annual rate of 4.4%. The peak was in 2018 at 5 633 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 25.9%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest decline of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the primary destination for Asia's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, accounting for 0.6% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Asia's export value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 552 M $ US, representing a reduction of 23.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 788 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 38.0% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the leading buyer of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Asia, holding a 0.6% share of total export value.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Asia's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 29 839 K t, up by 16.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 30.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Canada, and the United States were the main sources for Asia's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in volume terms. Brazil accounted for 26.8% of imports, Canada for 13.3%, and the United States for 10.6%, together making up 50.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Asia's import value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 15 697 M $ US, which is 13.9% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 21 301 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 31.2%. In 2019, there was the biggest decline of 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Canada, and the United States were the key sources for Asia's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in value terms. Brazil held a 24.8% share, Canada 14.5%, and the United States 12.1%, collectively accounting for 51.4% of total import flows.

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

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