EU: Bleached Sulphate Pulp Market 2025

Bleached Sulphate Pulp Market Size in the EU

In 2021, the EU bleached sulphate pulp market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Bleached Sulphate Pulp Production in the EU

In value terms, bleached sulphate pulp production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -22.1% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Bleached Sulphate Pulp Exports

Exports in the EU

After five years of growth, shipments abroad of bleached sulphate pulp decreased by -1.6% to X tons in 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 11% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, bleached sulphate pulp exports soared to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the three major exporters of bleached sulphate pulp, namely Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands, represented more than two-thirds of total export. Portugal (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with an 8.5% share, followed by Spain (7.1%) and Germany (6.2%). The following exporters - Belgium (X tons) and Austria (X tons) - each amounted to a 3.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +11.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Finland ($X), Sweden ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together comprising 68% of total exports.

In terms of the main exporting countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +11.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in the European Union amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 32% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Belgium ($X per ton) and Sweden ($X per ton), while Spain ($X per ton) and Portugal ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+2.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Bleached Sulphate Pulp Imports

Imports in the EU

In 2021, purchases abroad of bleached sulphate pulp increased by 3.5% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, imports showed a mild increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 9.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, bleached sulphate pulp imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Italy (X tons) represented the major importer of bleached sulphate pulp in the European Union, creating 61% of total import. France (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Poland (X tons) and Spain (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 22% share of total imports. Austria (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +10.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), Italy ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 60% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +6.3%, recorded 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

In 2021, the import price in the European Union amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 28% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in France ($X per ton) and Spain ($X per ton), while the Netherlands ($X per ton) and Italy ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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