Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Market

The article discusses the anticipated growth of the global market for unbleached sulphate pulp from 2022 to 2030, with projections of increased consumption and value. It delves into the market performance, consumption patterns, production levels, imports, exports, and pricing trends. The United States leads in both consumption and production, while China dominates the imports structure. Wood pulp of coniferous wood accounts for the majority of exports. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors driving the market for unbleached sulphate pulp worldwide.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for unbleached sulphate pulp worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 48M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $36.8B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Unbleached Sulphate Pulp

In 2022, after ten years of growth, there was decline in consumption of unbleached sulphate pulp, when its volume decreased by -1.1% to 42M tons. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked at 42M tons in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

The global unbleached sulphate pulp market revenue reduced to $27.2B in 2022, declining by -6.5% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $29.1B, and then contracted in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The United States (23M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of unbleached sulphate pulp consumption, accounting for 55% of total volume. Moreover, unbleached sulphate pulp consumption in the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Russia (3.6M tons), sixfold. China (2.8M tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in the United States totaled +3.5%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Russia (+1.4% per year) and China (+4.7% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($12.9B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by Russia ($2.3B). It was followed by China.

In the United States, the unbleached sulphate pulp market expanded at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of market growth: Russia (+2.2% per year) and China (+7.4% per year).

In 2022, the highest levels of unbleached sulphate pulp per capita consumption was registered in Sweden (228 kg per person), followed by the United States (68 kg per person), Russia (25 kg per person) and France (21 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of unbleached sulphate pulp was estimated at 5.3 kg per person.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the unbleached sulphate pulp per capita consumption in Sweden was relatively modest. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: the United States (+2.8% per year) and Russia (+1.4% per year).

Production

World Production of Unbleached Sulphate Pulp

In 2022, after ten years of growth, there was decline in production of unbleached sulphate pulp, when its volume decreased by -1.7% to 42M tons. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 10%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at 42M tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp production dropped to $26.3B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +14.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 33% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $29.7B in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of unbleached sulphate pulp production was the United States (23M tons), accounting for 55% of total volume. Moreover, unbleached sulphate pulp production in the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Russia (4.1M tons), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Sweden (2.6M tons), with a 6.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in the United States totaled +3.4%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Russia (+1.4% per year) and Sweden (+1.0% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Unbleached Sulphate Pulp

In 2022, the amount of unbleached sulphate pulp imported worldwide surged to 3M tons, with an increase of 23% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +76.7% against 2016 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp imports soared to $2.4B in 2022. Overall, imports posted a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 46%. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

China prevails in imports structure, resulting at 1.6M tons, which was near 52% of total imports in 2022. South Korea (193K tons) held a 6.4% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by the United States (5.4%). Thailand (133K tons), Germany (129K tons), Belgium (123K tons), India (69K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (64K tons), Indonesia (60K tons), Australia (47K tons) and Vietnam (46K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to unbleached sulphate pulp imports into China stood at +8.7%. At the same time, Belgium (+21.8%), Vietnam (+14.9%), India (+5.9%), the United States (+5.6%), Indonesia (+5.1%), Australia (+4.4%) and Thailand (+1.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Belgium emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +21.8% from 2012-2022. South Korea and Germany experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-1.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of China and Belgium increased by +13 and +3.1 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($1.2B) constitutes the largest market for imported unbleached sulphate pulp worldwide, comprising 52% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($160M), with a 6.8% share of global imports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 4.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China stood at +12.5%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: South Korea (+4.0% per year) and Thailand (+3.7% per year).

Imports By Type

Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood dominates imports structure, amounting to 2.9M tons, which was approx. 95% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood (144K tons), making up a 4.8% share of total imports.

Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood was also the fastest-growing in terms of imports, with a CAGR of +5.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood (+4.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. The shares of the largest types remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood ($2.2B) constitutes the largest type of unbleached sulphate pulp imported worldwide, comprising 95% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood ($114M), with a 4.8% share of global imports.

For wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood, imports increased at an average annual rate of +8.6% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average unbleached sulphate pulp import price amounted to $778 per ton, surging by 9.1% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 33%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $815 per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood ($790 per ton), while the price for wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood amounted to $778 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood (+2.7%).

Import Prices By Country

The average unbleached sulphate pulp import price stood at $778 per ton in 2022, picking up by 9.1% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 33%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $815 per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was India ($1,096 per ton), while Germany ($620 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+4.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Unbleached Sulphate Pulp

In 2022, shipments abroad of unbleached sulphate pulp increased by 11% to 2.9M tons, rising for the sixth consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +78.1% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp exports soared to $2.2B in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 62%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

The biggest shipments were from Canada (518K tons), Chile (484K tons) and Russia (477K tons), together amounting to 50% of total export. The United States (257K tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with an 8.7% share, followed by New Zealand (8.6%), Finland (7.4%), Sweden (6.4%) and France (5.5%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Finland (with a CAGR of +297.7%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($384M), Canada ($374M) and Russia ($373M) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together accounting for 52% of global exports. New Zealand, the United States, Finland, Sweden and France lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Finland, with a CAGR of +267.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood prevails in exports structure, accounting for 2.8M tons, which was near 97% of total exports in 2022. Wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood (92K tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood exports of stood at +5.8%. At the same time, wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood (+9.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood emerged as the fastest-growing type exported in the world, with a CAGR of +9.9% from 2012-2022. The shares of the largest types remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood ($2.1B) remains the largest type of unbleached sulphate pulp supplied worldwide, comprising 98% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood ($49M), with a 2.3% share of global exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood exports totaled +8.7%.

Export Prices By Type

The average unbleached sulphate pulp export price stood at $734 per ton in 2022, surging by 6.2% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 33%. The global export price peaked at $743 per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood ($741 per ton), while the average price for exports of wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of non-coniferous wood stood at $532 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by wood pulp; chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, (other than dissolving grades), unbleached, of coniferous wood (+2.8%).

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average unbleached sulphate pulp export price amounted to $734 per ton, rising by 6.2% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $743 per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in New Zealand ($836 per ton) and Chile ($794 per ton), while Finland ($621 per ton) and the United States ($651 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+3.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform