Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for unbleached kraft pulp in Central America contracted consistently from 2018 to 2023, falling from 44 015 t to 25 048 t, a reduction of over 40%. This decline was driven primarily by a reduction in domestic production, which decreased from 39 000 t to 25 000 t over the same period. Imports, which supplemented supply in 2018 at 5 050 t, fell sharply to negligible levels by 2022, further tightening available market volume.

By 2024, industry dynamics began to reflect broader global trends. The market saw a growing emphasis on sustainable and natural products, particularly for packaging applications, due to the material's resistance to yellowing and ease of maintenance. This shift was accompanied by a restructuring of production units toward unbleached kraft pulp in sectors like filter manufacturing and electromechanical products, alongside an expansion in the packaging sector itself.

Major global players such as International Paper, WestRock, and Smurfit Kappa continued to influence the market landscape. While specific regulatory changes in Central America were not reported, the overarching trend toward eco-friendly products and reducing harmful chemicals in production processes became relevant factors shaping industry direction.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Central America's production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 37,600 tons, which represents a 1.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.6%, while the smallest change was in 2018, with essentially no growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The production value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, in Central America also declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 24,064 thousand US dollars, showing a controlled year-on-year decline of 8.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 31,304 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline of 15.6% occurred in 2019, and the largest increase of 24.7% was also in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period, with a 3.4-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Central America totaled 38 tons, marking a significant increase of 142.7% compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 tons, with the largest decline of 54.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador and Chile consistently served as the primary markets for exports in kind, together accounting for 48.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period, with exports peaking in 2017 and hitting their lowest point in 2019—a 3.1-fold variation. In 2020, Central America exported 24 thousand US dollars worth of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, representing a steep increase of 123.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was 11 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 60.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, Ecuador and Chile contributed the most to exports in value terms, together representing 42.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Imports of foreign unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Central America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 48 tons, down by 98.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 99.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -83.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, was supplied almost exclusively to Canada, which absorbed 97.1% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Central America fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 51 thousand US dollars, marking an abrupt decline of 98.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 99.3%, with an annualized rate of -81.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, Canada was the nearly exclusive supplier of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Central America, accounting for 96.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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