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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the European market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp showed considerable movement, reaching its highest point in 2021 before a sustained contraction. The market volume grew from 23.4 million tons in 2018 to a peak of nearly 27.0 million tons in 2021, then fell to 20.7 million tons by 2023.

A notable surge of 14% lifted the market to 27.0 million tons in 2021. This was preceded by more moderate growth in 2019 and a slight dip in 2020. The following two years saw consecutive declines, with the market shrinking by 9.3% in 2022 and a further 15.3% in 2023.

These shifts in total market volume corresponded with changes in regional production and trade. Domestic production fluctuated throughout the period, while import levels varied and exports trended downward after 2021, affecting the net supply available in the European market.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Europe

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

Europe's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 23 261 thousand tonnes. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 21 705 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.7% decrease from the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 3.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Europe's production value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, output peaked at 16 062 million US dollars. By 2020, the value had dropped to 13 564 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 15.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 14.9% rise.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached their highest level at 14 335 thousand tonnes. By 2020, exports had fallen to 12 372 thousand tonnes, representing a 4.2% decrease from 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 9.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, with an 18.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were not heavily concentrated. China accounted for 24.4% of exports in kind, Turkey for 4.1%, and Japan for 1.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 29.5% of total export flows, indicating a diverse distribution across multiple markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Europe's export value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 10 087 million US dollars. By 2020, the value had decreased to 7 732 million US dollars, showing a 13.1% drop compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 31.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Turkey, and Japan were the largest buyers of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Europe in value terms. China accounted for 22.7% of exports, Turkey for 4.0%, and Japan for 1.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 27.8% of total export value, highlighting a broad base of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Europe's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 14 141 thousand tonnes. By 2020, imports had risen to 14 347 thousand tonnes, indicating a modest 1.5% gain from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 5.1% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were highly diversified. Brazil accounted for 22.6% of imports in kind, Uruguay for 9.4%, and the United States for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 39.3% of total import flows, with the remaining 60.7% spread across a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Europe's import value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their highest level at 12 938 million US dollars. By 2020, the value had fallen to 8 200 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 20.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value dropped by 20.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 7.5%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 20.8% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 24.8% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Europe's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in value terms were spread across many countries. Brazil accounted for 22.2% of imports, the United States for 9.1%, and Uruguay for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 40.2% of total import flows, underscoring a diverse sourcing pattern with numerous smaller suppliers.

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

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