MERCOSUR: Bleached Sulphite Pulp Market 2025

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Market Size in MERCOSUR

For the fifth year in a row, the MERCOSUR bleached sulphite pulp market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 139% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a noticeable descent. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 31%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, the amount of bleached sulphite pulp exported in MERCOSUR fell notably to X tons, shrinking by -82.3% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports faced a abrupt setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 235% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp exports dropped sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 215%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Chile (X tons), together recording 99% of total export.

Chile was also the fastest-growing in terms of the bleached sulphite pulp exports, with a CAGR of -4.9% from 2012 to 2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Chile increased by +49 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Chile ($X) also remains the largest bleached sulphite pulp supplier in MERCOSUR.

In Chile, bleached sulphite pulp exports decreased by an average annual rate of -2.3% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 20% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.7%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Chile.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Chile amounted to +2.8% per year.

Bleached Sulphite Pulp Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, supplies from abroad of bleached sulphite pulp increased by 21% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 32%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, bleached sulphite pulp imports surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, recorded a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil was the major importer of bleached sulphite pulp in MERCOSUR, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was near 50% of total imports in 2022. Peru (X tons) held a 16% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Argentina (15%) and Chile (8.5%). The following importers - Colombia (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Venezuela (X tons) - together made up 9.7% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to bleached sulphite pulp imports into Brazil stood at +4.2%. At the same time, Peru (+23.8%), Colombia (+6.8%) and Ecuador (+4.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Peru emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +23.8% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Argentina (-3.8%), Venezuela (-8.9%) and Chile (-27.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Brazil (+38 p.p.), Peru (+16 p.p.), Argentina (+7.2 p.p.), Colombia (+3.2 p.p.) and Ecuador (+2.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Chile saw its share reduced by -66.3% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported bleached sulphite pulp in MERCOSUR, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Peru ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil totaled +7.4%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Peru (+26.2% per year) and Argentina (-0.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 7.3% against the previous year. Import price indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +8.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, bleached sulphite pulp import price increased by +22.9% against 2014 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 73% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Colombia ($X per ton) and Peru ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) and Ecuador ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+10.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform