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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Portuguese market for unbleached kraft pulp saw moderate growth, with market volume rising from 227 thousand tons to 232 thousand tons. This occurred against a backdrop of industry efficiency supported by The Navigator Company's position as a European leader in bleached eucalyptus pulp production and the sector's long history of innovation. The market volume then contracted to 221 thousand tons in 2020, primarily due to logistical and supply chain disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

A recovery to 225 thousand tons followed in 2021, driven by increased demand for sustainable packaging, which boosted the use of kraft pulp, alongside investments in research and technological modernization within the industry. Market volume remained stable at 226 thousand tons in 2022, even as significant price increases for pulp occurred due to logistical issues and adverse weather conditions, including a drought affecting a major mill in the neighboring region of Pontevedra, Spain. By 2023, the market volume fell sharply to 196 thousand tons, reflecting the broader slowdown in the European pulp and paper sector amid ongoing global economic and regulatory challenges.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal ranked as the 16th largest global 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, Portugal produced 223.0 K t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, representing a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Production reached its highest level in 2019 at 227.9 K t, while the lowest was recorded in 2020 at 217.0 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 4.8%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Portugal

Based on desk research, there were no exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Portugal between 2018 and 2021.

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Portugal fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, Portugal imported 1 764 t, a sharp 55.0% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports dropped by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.2%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 4 322 t, which also saw the largest increase of 65.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the leading supplier of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Portugal, making up 89.1% of total imports by volume, while other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, into Portugal in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 1 602 K $ US, a sharp 36.2% drop from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 29.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -11.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 510 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 53.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Portugal in monetary terms were almost entirely linked to the United States, which held a 94.0% share of total import flows.

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

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