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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp in New Zealand fluctuated between 425.9 thousand tons and 441.0 thousand tons, while the domestic market volume grew steadily from 230.8 thousand tons to 277.9 thousand tons. Export volumes declined throughout this period, falling from 237.2 thousand tons to 174.1 thousand tons, indicating a shift toward greater domestic consumption.

In 2022, production plummeted to 267.2 thousand tons and the market volume contracted sharply to 142.8 thousand tons. This downturn coincided with global supply chain disruptions and increased fuel costs, which affected pulp prices and availability worldwide, including in New Zealand. Wood pulp imports into the country rose modestly to 45.2 thousand tons the same year, suggesting resilient underlying demand despite the production shock.

Production began to recover in 2023, reaching 293.2 thousand tons, and the market volume increased to 159.1 thousand tons. By 2025, imports surged to 54.2 thousand tons and exports recovered to 199.2 thousand tons, pointing to a rebalancing of trade flows and a gradual stabilization of the market after the 2022 disruption.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand held the 22nd position globally in the production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

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

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

In New Zealand, production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 407.3 K t, marking a slight decrease of 2.4% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The peak was in 2019 at 441.0 K t, with the largest increase that year at 3.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, at 5.4%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from New Zealand declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 174.1 K t, representing a modest drop of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 26.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for New Zealand's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were China (34.5% of exports in kind), South Korea (31.0%), and Australia (13.9%). Together, these three countries accounted for 79.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, New Zealand's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased in value. In 2021, exports totaled 134.0 M $ US, up by 38.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports decreased by 30.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 96.9 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 35.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China (32.9% of exports in value terms), South Korea (30.1%), and Australia (15.1%) were the primary markets for New Zealand's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. Combined, they absorbed 78.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year rise, imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into New Zealand declined. In 2021, import volume stood at 44.7 K t, reflecting a moderate decline of 4.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 6.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 47.0 K t, with the largest increase that year at 10.1%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Chile and Brazil were the dominant suppliers of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to New Zealand. Together, they accounted for 84.2% of total imports in kind, with other partners playing a less significant role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, New Zealand's imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased in value. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 29.9 M $ US, constituting an uptick of 24.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 9.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 24.0 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 15.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Chile and Brazil together accounted for 81.6% of total imports in value terms for semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into New Zealand. Other countries contributed to a diversified but less significant portion of imports.

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

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