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

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian market for unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp fluctuated between 2018 and 2020, dropping to 3.4 million tons in 2019 before reaching a peak of 3.9 million tons in 2020. This recovery was propelled by extensive modernization efforts, such as Ilim Group's Big Ust-Ilimsk project to expand packaging output, which increased demand for pulp. At the same time, producer prices for pulp and wood mass rose by 21% from 2017 to 2020, encouraging higher production volumes.

Sanctions and supply chain disruptions from 2021 onward led to a contraction, with the market volume falling to 3.6 million tons by 2022. Difficulties in sourcing bleaching chemicals, even for unbleached pulp, constrained manufacturing, while the exit of transnational companies created shortages. By 2023, the market stabilized at 3.6 million tons as the industry adapted through increased exports to China and continued investment in modernization by key players.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia maintained the second-highest global position 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, Russia produced 4 316 K t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, marking a 13.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 3 817 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 7.1%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Russia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 413.9 K t, a slight decrease of 2.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 11.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.8%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 462.0 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 24.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Germany were the top buyers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Russia. China accounted for 40.1% of exports in kind, South Korea for 13.4%, and Germany for 7.7%, with their combined share reaching 61.2% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Exports in value terms peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Russia exported 152.9 M $ US of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, representing a significant reduction of 19.8% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 294.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 82.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 35.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, South Korea, and Germany formed the primary group of destinations for exports in value terms of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Russia. China held a 39.7% share, South Korea 12.8%, and Germany 7.3%, totaling 59.8% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volume in kind reached its highest point in 2017 and its lowest in 2018, with an 11.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Russia imported 0.1 K t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, a dramatic drop of 54.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 91.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 275.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden and Germany were the main sources for imports in kind of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Russia, together accounting for 81.2% of total flows. Other partners each contributed significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Import value peaked in 2017 and hit its lowest point in 2018, with a 7.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Russia imported 0.1 M $ US of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, which is 43.3% lower than in 2019. The minimum value was in 2018 at 0.1 M $ US, which also recorded the largest decline of 86.1%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 164.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Sweden and Germany remained the principal suppliers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to Russia in value terms, with a combined share of 83.6% of total imports. The remainder was distributed among other countries in a fragmented manner.

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

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