Asia: Sulphite Wood Pulp Market 2025

Sulphite Wood Pulp Market Size in Asia

The Asian sulphite wood pulp market expanded modestly to $X in 2021, growing by 4.6% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Production in Asia

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp production rose to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Exports

Exports in Asia

For the third year in a row, Asia recorded decline in overseas shipments of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades), which decreased by -28% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 420%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp exports declined notably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 218% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Indonesia (X tons) was the main exporter of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades), comprising 53% of total exports. Malaysia (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by China (X tons) and Jordan (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 42% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to sulphite wood pulp exports from Indonesia stood at -13.3%. At the same time, China (+22.4%) and Jordan (+13.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Asia, with a CAGR of +22.4% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Malaysia (-10.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+10 p.p.), Jordan (+7.3 p.p.) and Malaysia (+4.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Indonesia saw its share reduced by -8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Indonesia ($X) remains the largest sulphite wood pulp supplier in Asia, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Malaysia ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Indonesia amounted to -18.6%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Malaysia (-10.4% per year) and China (+26.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Asia amounted to $X per ton, waning by -11.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 49%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while Indonesia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+3.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Imports

Imports in Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) increased by 15% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 17%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed slight growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 38%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Jordan (X tons), Turkey (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) represented roughly 86% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by China (X tons), committing a 6.8% share of total imports. The following importers - Pakistan (X tons) and Japan (X tons) - each resulted at a 3.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +23.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest sulphite wood pulp importing markets in Asia were Jordan ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Turkey ($X), with a combined 68% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +21.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 18%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Jordan (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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