Semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market volume for semi-bleached or bleached kraft pulp fell significantly from 23.1 million tons in 2018 to 15.0 million tons in 2023, a contraction of 35%. The steepest decline occurred in 2020, when the market shrank by nearly 19% within a single year.

Domestic production dropped by 34% over this period, which was the primary contributor to the smaller market size. While imports increased by 24% and exports rose by 18%, these trade movements could not compensate for the reduction in local output.

After the sharp drop in 2020, the market volume stabilized at a lower level of around 16.7 million tons in 2021 and 2022. However, it decreased again by 10% in 2023, reaching 15.0 million tons.

Production bleached kraft or soda pulp in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States maintained its position as the world's leading producer of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

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 the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 19 702 K t, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 14.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.4%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 24 159 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bleached kraft or soda pulp from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from the United States grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 7 342 K t, reflecting a strong year-on-year gain of 12.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.3%, with a CAGR of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 266 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 24.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 24.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from the United States were widely distributed across partner countries. China accounted for 24.3% of exports, Mexico for 10.0%, and Japan for 7.7%, with these three markets together representing only 42.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of exports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 4 018 M US dollars, representing a strong reduction of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 749 M US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from the United States were characterized by a broad spread across markets. China accounted for 23.9% of exports, Mexico for 10.3%, and Japan for 7.8%, with these three countries together making up only 42.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports bleached kraft or soda pulp to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 4 665 K t, showing a year-on-year rise of 1.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 170 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 2.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 10.2% gain.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, two markets—Canada and Brazil—played the leading roles in imports in kind, together accounting for 95.6% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other destinations.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of imports of semi-bleached or bleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into the United States declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 538 M US dollars, representing a 16.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 6.4%, with a CAGR of -2.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 284 M US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 21.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Brazil played the leading roles in imports in value terms, with a combined share of 95.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020