Japan: Sulphite Wood Pulp Market 2025

Sulphite Wood Pulp Market Size in Japan

The Japanese sulphite wood pulp market dropped to $X in 2021, waning by -7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Production in Japan

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 182% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2021, sulphite wood pulp exports from Japan surged to X tons, increasing by 159% on the year before. Overall, exports, however, saw a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 694% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 60% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Indonesia (X tons) was the main destination for sulphite wood pulp exports from Japan, accounting for a 97% share of total exports. It was followed by Malaysia (X tons), with a 3.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Indonesia amounted to +25.2%.

In value terms, Indonesia ($X) remains the key foreign market for chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) exports from Japan, comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Malaysia ($X), with an 18% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Indonesia amounted to +4.3%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sulphite wood pulp export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -52.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 215% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Indonesia stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to South Korea (+14.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in supplies from abroad of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades), when their volume decreased by -35.3% to X tons. Overall, imports saw a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 61%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp imports reduced markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 51% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), France (X tons) and Norway (X tons) were the main suppliers of sulphite wood pulp imports to Japan, with a combined 88% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Germany, which accounted for a further 12%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +1.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest sulphite wood pulp suppliers to Japan were the United States ($X), France ($X) and Germany ($X), together comprising 86% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Germany, with a CAGR of +4.1%, 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 a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average sulphite wood pulp import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 3.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 12%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+2.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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