Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The unbleached kraft pulp market in Northern Europe expanded from 2.1 million tons in 2018 to nearly 2.4 million tons in 2020. This growth was propelled by rising demand for sustainable, fiber-based packaging solutions and a significant boost from e-commerce during the pandemic, which increased the need for corrugated containerboard.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume contracted over the next three years, falling to 2.3 million tons in 2021 and further to 2.1 million tons in 2023. This period coincided with global supply chain disruptions and shifts in recovered fiber markets, such as China's import restrictions, which influenced production and trade flows for virgin fiber pulp.

Major regional producers like Stora Enso and UPM remained key market players, while industry trends pointed toward product diversification, including the development of specialized water-repellent pulp grades by 2024.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Northern Europe

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

Production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in Northern Europe has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 2,570 thousand tons, marking a modest year-on-year growth of 2.5%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 26%, with an average annual decrease of 9.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,241 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 35.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 11.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the production value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) in Northern Europe has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 1,347 million US dollars, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, however, production value fell by 31.2%, translating to an annualized decline of 11.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,289 million US dollars, with the steepest drop occurring in 2018 at 22.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from Northern Europe declined in 2020. Shipments totaled 232.1 thousand tons, down 3.2% from 2019. Despite this recent dip, exports increased by 26.9% overall between 2017 and 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 239.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 23.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe's exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—Germany (27.0% of exports in volume), China (17.0%), and the United States (5.6%)—collectively accounted for 49.5% of total exports. The remaining 50.5% was spread among numerous smaller markets, highlighting the region's diversified export base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from Northern Europe declined for the second year in a row in 2020. Exports amounted to 121.7 million US dollars, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value grew by 18.1%, with an average annual increase of 5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 130.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual rise of 26.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 5.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Germany, China, and India—collectively absorbed 51.2% of the total export value for unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from Northern Europe.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into Northern Europe showed notable volatility in recent years. The lowest point was in 2019 at 22.5 thousand tons, while imports peaked in 2020 at 40.7 thousand tons—a 1.8-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, imports surged by 80.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 37.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure for unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into Northern Europe was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. The top three suppliers—Russia (20.7% of import volume), Austria (8.7%), and Belgium (4.0%)—together represented 33.4% of total imports. The remaining 66.6% came from a variety of other countries, indicating a broad and diversified sourcing network.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, import value of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) into Northern Europe totaled 24.1 million US dollars, up 10.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 18.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 28.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 41.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 24.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Northern Europe sourced unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp (excluding dissolving grades) from a broad portfolio of suppliers. The top three—Russia (25.8% of import value), Austria (9.2%), and Belgium (5.0%)—collectively contributed 40.0% of total imports. The remaining 60.0% was distributed among many other countries, each holding smaller but notable shares.

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

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