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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp contracted from 568 thousand tonnes to 456 thousand tonnes. Production showed sharp swings, rising 14% in 2019 to 453 thousand tonnes before falling 23% in 2020 to 350 thousand tonnes. Throughout this period, the sector relied on a stable supply of hardwood for pulp, but faced pressure from massive log exports, bark beetle infestations, and volatile wood prices, which affected raw material costs and availability.

After rebounding to 399 thousand tonnes in 2021, production and overall market volume stabilized near 445 thousand tonnes in 2022-2023. Supply chain difficulties for imported softwood in 2022 accelerated a shift toward domestic hardwood-based kraft pulp production. The following year, the announced closure of the Sappi Lanaken pulp and paper mill in March 2024 and persistently high wood raw material prices contributed to an 18% drop in production, which fell to 323 thousand tonnes in 2023.

New regulatory requirements are set to influence the sector, with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) applying from December 2024, introducing due diligence rules for wood-derived products entering the Belgian market.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Belgium ranked as the 24th largest producer of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, during the period from 2017 to 2020.

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

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

Belgium's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output fell to 350.0 K t, marking a 22.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 8.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 453.0 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 14.4% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 160.5 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 30.1% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 20.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.4%. The highest value was reached in 2018 at 261.1 M $ US, when production saw its largest increase of 29.4%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Belgium's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 158.9 K t, down 25.0% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 25.4%, with a CAGR of -9.3%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 217.8 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and France were the key partners for Belgium's exports in kind. Italy accounted for 27.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 24.7%, and France for 23.2%. Together, these three countries represented 75.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Belgium's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 72.9 M $ US, a 32.2% contraction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 35.2%, with a CAGR of -13.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 143.6 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 27.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and France were the primary partners for Belgium's exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 25.7% of exports, Italy for 24.2%, and France for 24.0%. Collectively, these three markets made up 73.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Belgium's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 264.6 K t, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 32.3%, with a CAGR of -12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany were the largest contributors to Belgium's imports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 28.2% of imports, Sweden for 20.8%, and Germany for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 63.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Belgium's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports came to 164.1 M $ US, down 4.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 35.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 13.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 292.1 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 15.3%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 41.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Belgium's imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 27.3% of imports, Sweden for 21.2%, and Germany for 15.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 63.9% of total import flows.

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

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