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

Earlier Report Observations

Swedish production and market volume of unbleached kraft pulp expanded significantly from 2018 to 2022, underpinned by ongoing industry investments and strong access to the EU export market. Stora Enso's operations at the Skutskär mill were a key pillar of domestic capacity. The initial growth phase was also supported by long-term environmental efficiency improvements within the sector, which allowed production to increase while reducing emissions.

The market dynamics shifted in 2020 as global supply chain factors, including logistics and freight rates, impacted export competitiveness, contributing to a drop in market value despite stable physical output. Recovery followed in 2021 and 2022, with production and market size in both volume and value reaching new highs. This resurgence was facilitated by continued investments in production facilities and was aligned with a growing consumer trend toward sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, which bolstered demand for fiber-based products like unbleached pulp.

A contraction occurred in 2023, with production and market volume declining. This coincided with a period of global supply chain disruptions and higher operational costs, which constrained growth. Concurrently, the regulatory landscape began evolving, with new Swedish packaging rules requiring reusable or recyclable materials set to take effect in 2024, signaling a sustained policy push that reinforces the long-term demand for sustainable pulp in packaging applications.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in Sweden

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden maintained the third position globally in terms of production volume for 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

Sweden's production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2,498 K t, marking a 1.8% increase from 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,171 K t, which saw the largest decline of 13.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 13.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, was valued at 1,329 M $ US in Sweden, reflecting a gradual year-over-year drop of 9.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 7.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,463 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 3.9%.

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

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Sweden reached 196.2 K t, showing a strong rise of 14.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 30.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, China, and Finland formed the core group of markets for Sweden's exports in kind. Germany accounted for 31.1% of exports, China for 11.7%, and Finland for 10.7%, together representing 53.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Sweden amounted to 104.3 M $ US, which is 2.3% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 22%, with a CAGR of 6.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 113.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 32.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, China, and Finland continued to lead as the top buyers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, from Sweden in value terms. Germany held a 30.4% share, China 12.5%, and Finland 10.1%, jointly accounting for 52.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 K t and peaked in 2020 at 1.7 K t, representing a 23-fold difference. In 2020, deliveries to Sweden totaled 1.7 K t, up by 2,247.9% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 50.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the dominant market for imports in kind, accounting for 78.8% of total flows, while other countries together made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports bottomed in 2019 at 0.0 M $ US and peaked in 2020 at 1.0 M $ US, with a 22-fold gap. In 2020, Sweden imported approximately 1.0 M $ US, up by 2,063.5% relative to the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 61.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia played the leading role in imports in value terms, with a share of 80.1% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the remainder.

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

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