Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp in South Africa began the period at a high level, with production reaching 341 thousand tonnes and market volume at 358.1 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by steady demand for paper-based packaging. However, volumes declined over the following years, with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introducing short-term challenges for pulp and paper manufacturing. The market partially recovered in 2022, reaching 286.5 thousand tonnes, driven by increased demand for recyclable paper bags and packaging amid global sustainability trends.

Global factors significantly influenced production costs and supply. From 2022 onward, wood fiber costs for pulp manufacturing trended upward worldwide due to tight supply and record-high pulp prices, exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2023, which further constrained hardwood fiber availability. These cost pressures coincided with a strategic industry shift, as major producer Sappi closed high-cost mills and increased capacity in packaging and specialty grades, reflecting a broader transition away from graphic paper.

The sector's export orientation remained a key feature, with pulp exports contributing substantially to South Africa's trade balance. Domestic consumption patterns evolved, influenced by recycling rates above 60% and a growing preference for sustainable paper products. By 2024, the industry demonstrated resilience, producing 3.8 million tonnes of paper and pulp overall, though unbleached kraft pulp volumes stabilized near 245 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2017-2020

Africa's production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 256.0 K t, marking a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25%, with an average annual decline of 9.2%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 98 113-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Africa's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, totaled 0.0 t, representing a sharp drop of 100.0% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 936 t, with the largest increase that year reaching 14 595.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading buyer of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Africa, accounting for 83.4% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated widely, with a 21 288-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2020. In 2020, the value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, exported from Africa was 0.0 K $ US, showing a sharp decrease of 100.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 146 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 2 638.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China was the primary market for unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Africa, absorbing 57.7% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Africa's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, amounted to 15 716 t, which is 23.3% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 45.1%, with an average annual decline of 18.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 40.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, New Zealand, and Chile were the main sources of imports in volume for Africa, with shares of 26.2%, 21.4%, and 13.7%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 61.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Africa's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, totaled 12 737 K $ US, a decline of 29.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 26.4%, with an average annual decline of 9.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 18 040 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 13.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, New Zealand, and Chile formed the key group of partners for Africa's imports in value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, with shares of 30.4%, 20.6%, and 15.5%, respectively. Collectively, they represented 66.5% of total import flows.

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

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