Sulphite Wood Pulp Market

The article explores the increasing demand for chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) worldwide, with a forecasted upward consumption trend. Market performance is expected to accelerate, with a projected CAGR of +2.3% in volume and +4.5% in value terms from 2022 to 2030. China, the United States, and Pakistan are among the top consuming countries in 2022, while China leads in production. The United States dominates in imports structure, and Canada is the main exporting country. Canada, Germany, and the United States hold the largest market share in global exports of sulphite wood pulp. The average export price saw a noticeable slump in 2022, with significant differences among major exporting countries.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.3% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 17M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $21B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Chemical Wood Pulp (Sulphite, Other Than Dissolving Grades)

In 2022, consumption of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) increased by 1.8% to 14M tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume at 15M tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The global sulphite wood pulp market revenue contracted modestly to $14.8B in 2022, stabilizing at 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). In general, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the global market reached the maximum level at $17.7B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (2.8M tons), the United States (2M tons) and Pakistan (486K tons), with a combined 37% share of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the key consuming countries, was attained by the United States (with a CAGR of +4.3%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($2.1B), Brazil ($1.3B) and the United States ($989M) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together accounting for 30% of the global market. The UK, Turkey, Pakistan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, the UK, with a CAGR of +4.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of sulphite wood pulp per capita consumption in 2022 were the United States (5.9 kg per person), the UK (5.2 kg per person) and South Korea (4.6 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +3.7%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Chemical Wood Pulp (Sulphite, Other Than Dissolving Grades)

In 2022, production of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) increased by 1.7% to 14M tons, rising for the second year in a row after three years of decline. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 8.7% against the previous year. Global production peaked at 15M tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp production shrank slightly to $14.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, global production hit record highs at $19.7B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

China (2.8M tons) remains the largest sulphite wood pulp producing country worldwide, comprising approx. 20% of total volume. Moreover, sulphite wood pulp production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (1.3M tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by Canada (860K tons), with a 6.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China amounted to +3.9%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: the United States (+1.3% per year) and Canada (+9.1% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Chemical Wood Pulp (Sulphite, Other Than Dissolving Grades)

Global sulphite wood pulp imports surged to 1.2M tons in 2022, with an increase of 26% against the year before. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 26% against the previous year. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp imports surged to $722M in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a mild slump. Global imports peaked at $845M in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

The United States prevails in imports structure, accounting for 702K tons, which was approx. 61% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Germany (67K tons), achieving a 5.8% share of total imports. Turkey (51K tons), Indonesia (50K tons), Italy (28K tons), Sweden (26K tons), Canada (25K tons), Austria (23K tons), Taiwan (Chinese) (21K tons) and China (21K tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Imports into the United States increased at an average annual rate of +12.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Turkey (+21.0%), Sweden (+5.8%) and Indonesia (+5.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Turkey emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +21.0% from 2012-2022. Canada experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Germany (-6.1%), China (-6.5%), Taiwan (Chinese) (-6.8%), Austria (-7.6%) and Italy (-8.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the United States (+41 p.p.), Turkey (+3.7 p.p.) and Indonesia (+1.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of China (-1.9 p.p.), Taiwan (Chinese) (-2 p.p.), Austria (-2.7 p.p.), Italy (-3.9 p.p.) and Germany (-5.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United States ($237M) constitutes the largest market for imported chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) worldwide, comprising 33% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($91M), with a 13% share of global imports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 7.2% share.

In the United States, sulphite wood pulp imports increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Germany (-5.2% per year) and Indonesia (+9.4% per year).

Import Prices By Country

The average sulphite wood pulp import price stood at $624 per ton in 2022, increasing by 2.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a perceptible setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 10% against the previous year. Global import price peaked at $794 per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($1,363 per ton), while Canada ($203 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+6.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Chemical Wood Pulp (Sulphite, Other Than Dissolving Grades)

In 2022, global exports of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) surged to 912K tons, with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% 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 +101.0% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp exports surged to $465M in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a slight downturn. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure at $537M in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports By Country

Canada was the main exporting country with an export of about 688K tons, which recorded 75% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Germany (117K tons), achieving a 13% share of total exports. The following exporters - the United States (34K tons), Russia (24K tons), Norway (16K tons) and Austria (15K tons) - together made up 9.8% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphite wood pulp exports from Canada stood at +12.1%. At the same time, Norway (+12.4%) and Germany (+2.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Norway emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +12.4% from 2012-2022. Russia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Austria (-6.2%) and the United States (-7.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Canada (+45 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while Austria and the United States saw its share reduced by -2.3% and -6.9% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest sulphite wood pulp supplying countries worldwide were Canada ($237M), Germany ($167M) and the United States ($17M), with a combined 91% share of global exports.

Canada, with a CAGR of +5.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average sulphite wood pulp export price stood at $510 per ton in 2022, falling by -5.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a noticeable slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average export price increased by 4.5%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $743 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($1,431 per ton), while Norway ($3.7 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+1.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform