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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp in Northern Africa rose from 294.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 386.6 thousand tons in 2023, driven entirely by import growth as domestic output held steady at 41 thousand tons each year. Imports climbed from 253.6 thousand tons to 348 thousand tons over the period, with a particularly sharp increase in 2022 that lifted the total market by 57.7 thousand tons.

In 2020, chemical pulp accounted for 78% of global pulp production, underscoring the grade's central role in the industry. This structural backdrop coincided with a temporary market contraction in Northern Africa that year, where volume dipped to 302.6 thousand tons.

Geopolitical and economic shifts in the region, including growing investment convergence between Gulf states and African markets, have strengthened Morocco's position as a logistics and industrial bridge. These developments supported continued high import levels, with 2024 imports reaching 337.9 thousand tons.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 41 000 tonnes of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. This represented only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 0.5 thousand tonnes, representing a 9.8-fold increase. The 2020 volume reflected a sharp rise of 358.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 63.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Africa's exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were primarily directed towards Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. Together, these two countries accounted for 94.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 million US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 0.3 million US dollars, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 6.3 times. The 2020 total reflected a 195.6% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 51.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was dominated by Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, which together accounted for 94.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, deliveries of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Northern Africa declined. Imports peaked in 2019 at 289.8 thousand tonnes, then fell to 262.2 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a moderate decline of 9.5% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for imports in kind were the United States, Finland, and Spain. The United States accounted for 48.1% of imports, Finland for 13.2%, and Spain for 12.3%, together representing 73.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. Imports reached their highest point in 2018 at 207.8 million US dollars, then decreased to 142.8 million US dollars in 2020, representing a significant drop of 22.0% over the past year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 21.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the leading sources for imports in value terms were the United States, Finland, and Spain. The United States accounted for 50.2% of imports, Finland for 13.4%, and Spain for 11.4%, jointly taking 75.0% of total flows.

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

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