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

Earlier Report Observations

The South African market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp contracted sharply from 585.4 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 381.0 thousand tonnes in 2020. A recovery followed in 2021, lifting the market size to 474.4 thousand tonnes, and it remained stable at around 475 thousand tonnes in 2022. By 2023, the market volume had decreased again to 429.9 thousand tonnes.

Domestic production mirrored this volatility, falling from 574.0 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 385.0 thousand tonnes in 2021 before partially recovering to 453.0 thousand tonnes in 2023. International trade flows also shifted significantly, with exports dropping markedly in 2021 and imports reaching a high point in 2022.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked as the 20th largest global producer 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

South Africa's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 385.0 K t, marking a 12.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, production fell by 32.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 12.5%.

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

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes hit their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa exported 47.2 K t of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, representing a sharp 76.0% drop year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 196.2 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 6.0% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Thailand, and Indonesia were the top contributors to South Africa's exports in kind of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. China accounted for 30.8% of exports, Thailand for 20.0%, and Indonesia for 12.6%, together making up 63.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from South Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 28.2 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 63.1% contraction compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 77.4%, averaging an annual decline of 39.1%.

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

During 2018–2021, China, Thailand, and Indonesia were the three main markets for South Africa's exports in value terms of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, collectively absorbing 60.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

South Africa's import volume of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 136.6 K t, down by 1.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports decreased by 28.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Brazil, and Russia remained the primary suppliers of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to South Africa. The United States contributed 40.2% of imports in kind, Brazil 34.3%, and Russia 9.1%, together accounting for 83.6% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, South Africa's import value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 110.6 M $ US, indicating a steep 42.2% improvement over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 22.8%, averaging an annual decline of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 77.7 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 27.3% drop.

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

In 2018–2021, the United States, Brazil, and Russia dominated the import structure in value terms for semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in South Africa. The United States accounted for 42.7% of import value, Brazil for 33.0%, and Russia for 8.8%, together representing 84.5% of total import flows.

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

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