Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for unbleached kraft pulp in Eastern Asia increased from 3 101 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 941 thousand tons in 2022. The launch of a physically delivered pulp futures contract in China in 2018 improved trading flexibility and market access. In 2021, a surge in import transportation costs alongside a steady recovery in domestic demand pushed pulp prices higher, which supported further market expansion.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 3 482 thousand tons. This decline was driven by a slowdown in household consumption, which reduced pulp production by 6% and paper output by 2%. Simultaneously, rising global energy costs increased production expenses, particularly for mills lacking efficient cogeneration systems.

Import volumes decreased to 1 157 thousand tons in 2024. During the year, key suppliers like Ilim Group strengthened their distribution networks in China, while Suzano appointed a new CEO to enhance sales management in Asia. Additionally, breakthroughs in high-barrier pulp molding technology promoted a shift toward eco-friendly packaging, indicating growing demand in value-added segments.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Eastern Asia

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

Eastern Asia's production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 166 K t, showing a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Eastern Asia's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, increased in 2020. The region exported 124 K t, marking a sharp rise of 31.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 94 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Eastern Asia's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were distributed across numerous markets. Asia, not elsewhere specified, accounted for 5.1% of exports in kind, Indonesia for 3.0%, and Malaysia for 2.2%. Together, these three markets made up only 10.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Eastern Asia's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, totaled 72.3 M $ US, representing a 13.6% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23.1%, with an annualized rate of 8.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 63.7 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 100.5 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 36.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, Indonesia, and Malaysia played a notable but not dominant role as buyers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Eastern Asia. Their shares were 5.2%, 3.1%, and 2.4% of exports in value terms, respectively, combining for only 10.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 197 K t, reflecting a significant uptick of 14.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 40.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Russia, and the United States formed the main cluster of markets for Eastern Asia's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. Chile accounted for 26.9% of imports in kind, Russia for 19.7%, and the United States for 16.9%, together making up 63.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 648.8 M $ US, down by 1.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 26.4%, with an annualized rate of 8.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 841.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 63.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the period from 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Chile, Russia, and the United States—together accounted for 63.5% of the total value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, imported into Eastern Asia.

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

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