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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp in SADC opened the period at 615 тыс. т in 2018, a year which saw Sappi strengthen its market position with the launch of the Sappi Verve brand for dissolving wood pulp. Volume then contracted sharply to 453 тыс. т in 2019 and fell further to 424 тыс. т in 2020, with the latter decline driven by the COVID-19 pandemic which lowered demand across pulp and paper segments.

A strong rebound followed in 2021, lifting consumption to 522 тыс. т. The market then stabilized near 515 тыс. т in 2022 even as producers faced steadily rising wood fiber costs globally. Supply-side pressures intensified in 2023, when volume decreased to 480 тыс. т due to mill shutdowns that curtailed exports and broader wood fiber market disruptions stemming from geopolitical events.

In 2024, the industry reported robust demand for paper-based packaging and a 60% paper recycling rate, highlighting a focus on circular economy principles, while major producer Sappi noted global trade dynamics influenced by seasonal demand patterns in key markets like China.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in SADC

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

SADC's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 455.0 K t, marking a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 26.6%, with an average annual decline of 9.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

SADC's production value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) has dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 177.2 M $ US, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 24.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 54.3%, with an average annual reduction of 23.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 411.4 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 42.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from SADC have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 196.1 K t, showing a moderate rise of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 178.7 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 19.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for SADC's exports in volume terms were China (34.2% of exports), Thailand (17.6%), and Indonesia (12.2%). Together, these three countries accounted for 64.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of exported semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from SADC has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 76.4 M $ US, representing a 20.4% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 45.2%, with an average annual decline of 18.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—China, Thailand, and Indonesia—collectively absorbed 61.4% of the total export value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from SADC.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into SADC showed volatility during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 165.0 K t, reflecting a decrease of 7.8% from the previous year. The maximum volume was in 2018 at 202.4 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 71.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (40.8% of imports), Brazil (30.5%), and Russia (8.1%) accounted for the largest share of import volumes, together comprising 79.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into SADC exhibited volatility. The lowest value was in 2017, and the peak was in 2018, showing a 2.1-fold amplitude. In 2020, imports totaled 165.0 M $ US, marking a significant contraction of 16.8% from a year earlier. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 157.2 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 22.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 110.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States (45.8% of import value), Brazil (27.0%), and Sweden (7.6%) formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms, jointly representing 80.4% of total flows.

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

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