Eastern Asia: Market for Wood Pulp, Excluding Mechanical Wood Pulp 2025

Market Size for Wood Pulp, Excluding Mechanical Wood Pulp in Eastern Asia

In 2022, the East Asian market for wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp increased by 4.1% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Production of Wood Pulp, Excluding Mechanical Wood Pulp in Eastern Asia

In value terms, production of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp reduced modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production of hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Wood Pulp, Excluding Mechanical Wood Pulp

Exports in Eastern Asia

Exports of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, increasing by 17% on the previous year. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 28% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, exports of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Total exports indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% 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 +105.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 54%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Japan represented the key exporting country with an export of around X tons, which reached 61% of total exports. China (X tons) took a 29% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by South Korea (9.2%).

Japan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp. At the same time, China (+22.2%) and South Korea (+15.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +22.2% from 2012-2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of China and South Korea increased by +23 and +6 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Japan ($X), China ($X) and South Korea ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 99% share of total exports.

China, with a CAGR of +24.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Export price indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, export price for wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp increased by +56.5% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 37%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+4.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Wood Pulp, Excluding Mechanical Wood Pulp

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, overseas purchases of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp decreased by -4.5% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after four years of growth. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 17%. Over the period under review, imports of attained the maximum at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp rose markedly to $X in 2022. Total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +36.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by 25%. Over the period under review, imports of reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

China prevails in pulp structure, reaching X tons, which was near 87% of total imports in 2022. South Korea (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Japan (X tons). All these countries together held near 12% share of total imports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp imports, with a CAGR of +4.8% from 2012 to 2022. Japan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. South Korea (-1.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+12 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Japan and South Korea saw its share reduced by -2.6% and -4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, China ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported wood pulp, excluding mechanical wood pulp in Eastern Asia, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 6.3% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China amounted to +6.8%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Japan (+1.7% per year) and South Korea (-1.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 15% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+2.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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