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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume of unbleached kraft pulp in Brazil showed variable dynamics, starting at 2.2 million tons and reaching a peak of 2.3 million tons by 2022. The growth in 2019 occurred within the context of Brazil's established leadership in wood pulp production and exports, supported by advanced Kraft process technologies and favorable climatic conditions for eucalyptus cultivation. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, but the sector maintained relatively stable production, which contained the market volume decline to 3.7%.

In 2021, the market volume rebounded with a 5.0% increase, driven by intensified investments in modernizing production processes, particularly in dewatering and industrial control. The industry also moved to increase the use of third-party wood to manage costs amid expectations of rising raw material prices. The market continued its moderate expansion in 2022, rising to 2.3 million tons. This growth was partly supported by the consolidation of major players, exemplified by Suzano's acquisition of Kimberly-Clark's Brazilian operations, which strengthened the sector's scale and capacity. Additionally, growing global demand for sustainable packaging made from kraft pulp provided further momentum.

In 2023, the market volume contracted by 7.0% to 2.1 million tons. This decline was largely attributed to a substantial rise in Brazilian pulp exports, with China as a key destination. Concurrently, regulatory oversight tightened through the implementation of the PAU Brasil platform, which enhanced controls over wood sourcing and trade transparency. Despite the downturn, Brazil's pulp and paper sector retains its global competitiveness, underpinned by an integrated value chain and continued technological advancement.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

Top producers of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2018-2021

World map of production of unbleached kraft or soda pulp, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 2,232 thousand tonnes of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, marking a moderate increase of 5.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 4.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 2,122 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.5%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were almost entirely directed to the United States, which accounted for 100.0% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the nearly exclusive buyer of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Brazil, representing 100.0% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 7,227 tonnes, a decrease of 34.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 29.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 11.1%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 16,640 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 61.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were primarily sourced from Russia and Chile, with their combined share reaching 93.1% of total imports in volume, while other countries played a minor role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Brazil's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 6,104 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate drop of 9.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 33.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 13,296 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 44.0%, while the largest decline of 49.4% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia and Chile dominated Brazil's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in value terms, with Russia accounting for 59.7% and Chile for 33.2%, together forming 92.9% of total imports, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

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