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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Malaysia's market volume for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp fluctuated between 240.2 thousand tons and 267.8 thousand tons, with domestic production remaining stable at 131 thousand tons each year. The market reached its highest point in 2022 at 267.8 thousand tons, largely due to a sharp increase in imports, but declined to 252.2 thousand tons in 2023. During 2023, industry sources noted rising demand for bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp in packaging, paper, and textile applications, indicating evolving industrial needs and consumer trends that shaped market activity.

In the later part of the period, available trade data for 2024 and 2025 shows a significant reduction in imports to 108.3 thousand tons and a surge in exports to 31.4 thousand tons by 2025. These shifts correspond with broader industry developments, including expanded production capacities across Southeast Asia and a growing emphasis on sustainable forestry and advanced chemical pulping methods, which strengthened Malaysia's export capabilities and altered regional supply patterns.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

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

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

In 2021, Malaysia produced 131.0 K t of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. Production remained broadly stable compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2019, at 0.0%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Malaysia

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Malaysia exported 2.3 K t of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, which represents a 76.5% decrease year-over-year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2020 at 9.9 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 278.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, India, and Vietnam were the top buyers of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Malaysia. China accounted for 33.7% of exports in kind, India for 17.8%, and Vietnam for 14.2%. Together, these three countries represented 65.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The lowest value occurred in 2018, while the highest was recorded in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.6 times. In 2021, Malaysia's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, totaled 1.9 M $ US, showing a 65.5% decline from the previous year. The maximum value was 5.7 M $ US in 2019, and the largest increase was also in 2019, at 256.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the three main markets—China, India, and Vietnam—collectively absorbed 62.1% of the total export value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Malaysia.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Malaysia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Malaysia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Malaysia imported 111.5 K t, showing a controlled drop of 7.2% compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 13.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.9%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 141.3 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 14.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 9.0%.

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

During 2018–2021, the United States, Brazil, and Chile were the main sources for imports in kind of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Malaysia. The United States accounted for 47.3% of imports in kind, Brazil for 20.9%, and Chile for 9.4%. Together, these three countries made up 77.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Malaysia increased. In 2021, imports stood at 80.6 M $ US, indicating an advance of 14.2% from the year earlier. Over the period 2018–2021, imports decreased by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 70.6 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, at 29.6%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, the three largest markets—the United States, Brazil, and Chile—remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 79.3% of total flows.

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

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