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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Japanese market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp remained high at around 8.3 million tons, with a slight decrease in 2019. This level was supported by rising demand for hygiene products such as tissue paper and sanitary napkins, alongside increased use in smart packaging for food, beverages, and cosmetics. At the same time, stricter environmental regulations on bleaching processes and wastewater treatment, coupled with international trade tariffs affecting procurement, introduced adjustments that contributed to market stabilization.

In 2020, market volume fell sharply to 6.9 million tons. During this period, the industry saw advancements like the adoption of enzyme treatment, ozone bleaching, and closed-loop chemical cycles to enhance production efficiency and sustainability. The market recovered to 7.3 million tons in 2021, driven primarily by the expansion of e-commerce, which boosted pulp demand for packaging materials, and the development of digital optimization software that improved mill productivity.

Growth continued modestly in 2022, with the market reaching 7.3 million tons, supported by the Japanese government's policy to cut single-use plastic waste by 25% and achieve a 60% recycling rate by 2030, encouraging wood pulp-based packaging. Post-COVID-19 hygiene awareness also increased tissue paper consumption, lifting demand for softwood pulp. In 2023, the market contracted to 6.6 million tons.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Japan ranked as the 7th largest producer of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of bleached kraft or soda pulp, 2018-2021

World map of production of bleached kraft or soda pulp, 2018-2021

Following a two-year decline, Japan's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, rebounded. In 2021, Japan produced 6 115 K t, marking an 8.0% increase from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 13.5%, averaging an annual decline of 4.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 5 662 K t, which also saw the steepest drop of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Japan's export volume of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, rose. In 2021, Japan exported 137 K t, a significant 50.2% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 91 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, China and South Korea were the key destinations for Japan's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, together accounting for 99.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years, with a 2.4-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2021, Japan's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, totaled 76 M $ US, surging by 106.4% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 37 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 43.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China and South Korea dominated Japan's exports in value terms, jointly representing 98.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported 1 470 K t, showing a modest reduction of 4.6% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 10.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 1 470 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 3.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States, Canada, and Brazil were the primary sources for Japan's imports in kind, together making up 77.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decrease, Japan's import value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 010 M $ US, a strong advance of 22.7% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 15.4%, averaging an annual decline of 5.4%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 823 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 22.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2018-2021, the United States (33.3% of imports in value terms), Canada (25.4%), and Brazil (18.4%) formed the main cluster of markets for Japan's imports, with a combined share of 77.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021