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

Earlier Report Observations

Domestic production of unbleached kraft pulp in India remained constant at 204.3 thousand tonnes each year from 2018 through 2023. As a result, the total market volume varied only with import levels, rising modestly to 250.9 thousand tonnes in 2019 before declining to 237.1 thousand tonnes in 2020.

Market volume recovered to 249.5 thousand tonnes in 2021, supported by heightened demand for paper packaging as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a corporate shift from plastics to kraft-based materials. This demand momentum continued into 2022, driving imports to 69.2 thousand tonnes and lifting the total market to a peak of 273.5 thousand tonnes. The market then contracted slightly to 265.9 thousand tonnes in 2023, coinciding with increased production conversion costs and global supply-chain pressures that raised expenses for pulp, chemicals, and freight.

Throughout the period, the industry landscape was marked by strategic moves such as Trident's launch of premium kraft paper products and Star Paper's investments in social forestry to secure fiber supply. Significant foreign investment, including the APRIL group's acquisition of Origami, underscored sustained interest in the sector, while growing consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging and the emergence of specialty papers further influenced market dynamics.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India ranked 18th globally in production volume of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

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

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

In 2020, India produced 204.3 K t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, which remained virtually unchanged from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from India

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2018, the peak-to-trough amplitude was 1 973 times. In 2019, India exported 0.5 t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, marking a substantial increase of 21.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.4 t, with the largest decline also in 2018 at 99.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, 99.9% of India's total exports in kind of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, went to the United Arab Emirates, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period, with an 834-fold variation between the maximum in 2017 and the minimum in 2018. In 2019, India exported 1 K $ US of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, reflecting a steep gain of 84.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 K $ US, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018 at 99.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India's exports in value terms of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, were highly concentrated on the United Arab Emirates, which accounted for 99.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to India

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year improvement, deliveries of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to India declined. In 2020, imports reached 32 754 t, representing a contraction of 29.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 46 620 t, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia (26.2% of imports in kind), Sweden (24.2% of imports in kind), and the United States (15.0% of imports in kind) were the principal sources for India's imports in kind, jointly accounting for 65.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, cross-border shipments of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to India declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 34 586 K $ US, indicating a steep decline of 28.7% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 48 527 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 27.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, China (40.7% of imports in value terms), Russia (17.2% of imports in value terms), and Sweden (16.0% of imports in value terms) made the biggest contributions to India's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 73.8% of total flows.

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

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