China: Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Market 2025

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Market Size in China

The Chinese unbleached sulphate pulp market skyrocketed to $X in 2022, growing by 25% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated a temperate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +115.6% against 2013 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Production in China

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 41% against the previous year. Unbleached sulphate pulp production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, the amount of unbleached sulphate pulp exported from China shrank dramatically to X tons, dropping by -45.8% on 2021. In general, exports, however, showed a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 212% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted notably in the following year.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp exports fell dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, posted buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 58%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then declined rapidly in the following year.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for unbleached sulphate pulp exports from China, with a 66% share of total exports. Moreover, unbleached sulphate pulp exports to India exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Thailand (X tons), fivefold. Kenya (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 6.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to India stood at +10.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Thailand (+25.0% per year) and Kenya (0.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) remains the key foreign market for unbleached sulphate pulp exports from China, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kenya ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 2.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to India stood at +9.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kenya (0.0% per year) and Thailand (+25.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average unbleached sulphate pulp export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 50% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Kenya ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to South Korea (+54.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, supplies from abroad of unbleached sulphate pulp increased by 45% to X tons, rising for the eighth consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports showed strong growth. 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 $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 74%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Russia (X tons), Canada (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main suppliers of unbleached sulphate pulp imports to China, with a combined 61% share of total imports. The United States, Finland, New Zealand, France and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for France (with a CAGR of +109.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($X), Russia ($X) and Chile ($X) constituted the largest unbleached sulphate pulp suppliers to China, together comprising 63% of total imports. The United States, Finland, New Zealand, France and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.

France, with a CAGR of +157.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average unbleached sulphate pulp import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.4%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 39%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were New Zealand ($X per ton) and Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Finland ($X per ton) and the United States ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+22.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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