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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp in South-eastern Asia fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 5.7 million tons in 2018, dipping to 5.4 million tons in 2019, then recovering to 5.8 million tons in 2020. The most notable expansion occurred in 2022, when consumption reached 6.7 million tons, before moderating to 6.4 million tons in 2023.

The surge in 2020 was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for pulp used in hygiene products and packaging due to shifts in consumer behavior. Government policies across the region to support local production and reduce import dependency, including tax incentives for new plants, further stimulated market growth. In 2022, the opening of new large-scale production facilities focused on bleached and semi-bleached pulp, coupled with regulatory measures promoting sustainable products and circular economy principles, drove the market to its peak.

Throughout the period, the entry of new regional players and the expansion of state-owned enterprises strengthened domestic production capacity. Regulatory changes, such as stricter mandatory labeling and traceability requirements implemented in several countries, along with a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly unbleached and semi-bleached pulp, reshaped market segments but did not fundamentally alter the overall volume trajectory after 2022.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in South-eastern Asia

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

In 2020, South-eastern Asia produced 9 643 K t of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. This represented a moderate increase of 6.8% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, reaching 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South-eastern Asia's production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 256 M $ US, marking a substantial reduction of 16.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 5.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 039 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 34.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from South-eastern Asia declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 363 K t, which is 3.2% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 5 542 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Bangladesh, and South Korea were the main destinations for semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from South-eastern Asia. Together, they accounted for 81.7% of total exports in kind, with China leading at 68.2%, followed by Bangladesh at 6.9%, and South Korea at 6.6%.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from South-eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 367 M $ US, a decrease of 24.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 10.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 626 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 36.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated the export market in value terms, accounting for 70.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into South-eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1 532 K t, representing a robust decrease of 19.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13%, with an annualized decline of 4.5%. The peak was in 2018 at 2 084 K t, and the largest increase occurred that year at 18.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in kind was scattered, with no single partner dominating. The United States accounted for 21.1% of imports in kind, Canada for 16.8%, and Brazil for 8.9%. Together, these three countries made up 46.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into South-eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2020, imports registered 993 M $ US, corresponding to a sharp decline of 32.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The highest value was in 2018 at 1 754 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred that year at 47.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Brazil were the main suppliers of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to South-eastern Asia in value terms. The United States accounted for 23.7% of imports, Canada for 19.5%, and Brazil for 9.1%. Together, they comprised 52.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020