Africa: Bleached Sulphite Pulp Market 2025

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Market Size in Africa

In 2022, the African bleached sulphite pulp market increased by 3.7% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a deep reduction. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Production in Africa

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 9.2%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, exports of bleached sulphite pulp in Africa soared to X tons, rising by 45% compared with the year before. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 867% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp exports soared to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 817%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Tunisia (X tons), distantly followed by South Africa (X tons) were the major exporters of bleached sulphite pulp, together constituting 100% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by South Africa (with a CAGR of -2.1%).

In value terms, the largest bleached sulphite pulp supplying countries in Africa were South Africa ($X) and Tunisia ($X).

Among the main exporting countries, South Africa, with a CAGR of +3.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 33% against the previous year. Export price indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, bleached sulphite pulp export price increased by +72.5% against 2018 indices. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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 South Africa ($X per ton), while Tunisia stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+5.8%).

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2022, purchases abroad of bleached sulphite pulp increased by 4.4% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 44% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp imports reached $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, recorded a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 28%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Tunisia represented the key importer of bleached sulphite pulp in Africa, with the volume of imports finishing at X tons, which was near 59% of total imports in 2022. South Africa (X tons) held an 18% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Angola (6.5%) and Algeria (5%). The following importers - Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) and Morocco (X tons) - together made up 5.1% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to bleached sulphite pulp imports into Tunisia stood at -8.4%. At the same time, Angola (+39.8%), Morocco (+6.5%) and Cote d'Ivoire (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Angola emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +39.8% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Algeria (-9.0%) and South Africa (-17.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Tunisia (+13 p.p.), Angola (+6.4 p.p.), Cote d'Ivoire (+2.3 p.p.) and Morocco (+1.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -20.8% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Tunisia ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported bleached sulphite pulp in Africa, comprising 53% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by Algeria, with a 9.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Tunisia amounted to -6.5%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (-12.0% per year) and Algeria (-0.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 2.7% against the previous year. Import price indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, bleached sulphite pulp import price increased by +84.5% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Algeria (+9.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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