Unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp excluding dissolving grades market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The US unbleached kraft pulp market began the period at over 22 million tons in 2018, bolstered by rising demand for eco-conscious packaging from e-commerce and consumer goods sectors. Major producers invested in supply chain efficiency, while technological advances in pulping helped maintain stable output, keeping the market size near 22 million tons into 2019.

Market volume fell to 19.5 million tons in 2020, even as kraft pulp gained recognition for high-performance applications and demand for fiber-based packaging grew. A partial recovery to 20.3 million tons followed in 2021, occurring alongside global supply chain disruptions, volatile freight and energy costs that squeezed margins, and the influence of environmental regulations on production practices.

From 2022 to 2023, the market continued to decline, reaching 18.2 million tons. This trend unfolded despite industry investments in mill modernization and energy efficiency, as well as a disruption in China's recovered fiber market that increased US demand for virgin pulp. Consumer preference for unbleached, sustainable packaging and regulatory focus on eco-friendly solutions remained key market shapers throughout this phase.

Production unbleached kraft or soda pulp in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States held the top position globally in the production 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

Following two years of growth, the United States saw a decline in its production of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. In 2020, production reached 19 702 K t, marking a significant year-over-year drop of 10.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 22 100 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports unbleached kraft or soda pulp from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a {ampRatio}-fold difference. In 2020, the United States exported 276.6 K t of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, representing a 4.4% increase from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 K t, with the largest decline that year at 100.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, South Korea, and Canada were the key destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 70.5% of total flows. China led with 36.7%, followed by South Korea at 26.5%, and Canada at 7.2%.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the United States experienced a decline in the value of its exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. In 2020, exports amounted to 147.8 M $ US, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 45.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 148.3 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 39.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, China, and Vietnam were the leading markets for exports in value terms, collectively representing 70.1% of total flows. South Korea accounted for 31.9%, China for 30.2%, and Vietnam for 8.0% of the United States' exports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports unbleached kraft or soda pulp to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States imported 121.7 K t of foreign unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, a 28.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 17.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 169.2 K t, with the largest increase that year at 29.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada and Chile were the primary sources for imports in kind, together making up 92.2% of total flows, while other countries had smaller shares.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The United States saw a second consecutive year of decline in imports of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades. In 2020, imports totaled 70.0 M $ US, reflecting a sharp year-over-year drop of 16.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 26.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 102.3 M $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 18.5% and the largest increase in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Chile remained the main suppliers of unbleached kraft or soda wood pulp, excluding dissolving grades, to the United States, jointly accounting for 91.9% of total imports in value terms, with other countries comprising the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020