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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp in Sub-Saharan Africa saw significant volume changes between 2018 and 2023. After a sharp drop to 498 thousand tons in 2019, consumption recovered steadily, surpassing 599 thousand tons by 2022 before a slight correction to 591 thousand tons in 2023.

Demand patterns in the region's largest economies, including Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria, along with notable import price fluctuations, influenced market conditions throughout the period. Import prices reached a high in 2022, coinciding with a peak in import volumes and overall market size.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Production of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in Sub-Saharan Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 455.0 K t, which represents a 1.9% decrease 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 Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) production in Sub-Saharan Africa has dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 177.3 M $ US, marking a 24.5% year-on-year reduction. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 54.2%, translating to an annualized decline of 22.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 411.4 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 42.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 196.0 K t, up by 3.4% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 12%, with an average annual decline of 4.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 178.7 K t. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 19.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Thailand, and Indonesia were the primary markets for exports in kind. China accounted for 34.2% of exports, Thailand for 17.6%, and Indonesia for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 64.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) exports from Sub-Saharan Africa has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 76.4 M $ US, reflecting a significant drop of 20.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 45.2%, with an average annual decline of 18.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Thailand, and Indonesia were the largest buyers in value terms. China made up 31.2% of exports, Thailand 17.3%, and Indonesia 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries formed 61.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into Sub-Saharan Africa have risen. In 2020, the region imported 256.3 K t, which is a 14.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 63.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 57.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Sweden were the key partners for imports in kind. The United States accounted for 45.3% of imports, Brazil for 23.9%, and Sweden for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented 76.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market for semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in Sub-Saharan Africa showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports were valued at 170.4 M $ US, an 8.4% year-on-year gain. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 194.4 M $ US, while the lowest was in 2017, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.1%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 94.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Sweden formed the main group of destinations for imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 49.5% of imports, Brazil for 20.7%, and Sweden for 6.7%. Together, these three countries held a combined share of 76.8% of total import flows.

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

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