Republic of Korea: Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Market 2025

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Market Size in Republic of Korea

In 2022, the South Korean unbleached sulphate pulp market increased by 7% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Unbleached sulphate pulp consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

In 2022, overseas shipments of unbleached sulphate pulp decreased by -17% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports recorded a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 121%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp exports shrank slightly to $X in 2022. In general, exports showed a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 124%. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for unbleached sulphate pulp exports from South Korea, with a approx. 99.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to India amounted to +1.1%.

In value terms, India ($X) also remains the key foreign market for unbleached sulphate pulp exports from South Korea.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to India stood at -4.9%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average unbleached sulphate pulp export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 18% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a noticeable slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 56%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Taiwan (Chinese) amounted to +0.0% per year.

Unbleached Sulphate Pulp Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2022, the amount of unbleached sulphate pulp imported into South Korea fell modestly to X tons, with a decrease of -3.4% on the previous year. Overall, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 11%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unbleached sulphate pulp imports rose remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a moderate expansion 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, imports increased by +61.9% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Russia (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main suppliers of unbleached sulphate pulp imports to South Korea, with a combined 73% share of total imports. Chile, New Zealand, France and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by France (with a CAGR of +863.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Japan ($X) and Russia ($X) constituted the largest unbleached sulphate pulp suppliers to South Korea, together accounting for 72% of total imports. Chile, New Zealand, France and Canada lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

Among the main suppliers, France, with a CAGR of +1,134.2%, 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 more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average unbleached sulphate pulp import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 14% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.5%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 40%. 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 Canada ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton), while the price for New Zealand ($X per ton) and Russia ($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 (+28.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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