South Africa: Sulphite Wood Pulp Market 2025

Sulphite Wood Pulp Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, the South African sulphite wood pulp market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Production in South Africa

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp production rose notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a mild slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 43%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sulphite Wood Pulp Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, exports of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) from South Africa contracted notably to X tons, with a decrease of -29.4% compared with 2020 figures. In general, exports saw a sharp descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 1,696%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 1,087%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X tons) was the main destination for sulphite wood pulp exports from South Africa, accounting for a 97% share of total exports. It was followed by Mozambique (X kg), with a 3.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Namibia was relatively modest.

In value terms, Namibia ($X) remains the key foreign market for chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades) exports from South Africa, comprising 100% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Mozambique ($X), with a 0.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Namibia was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

The average sulphite wood pulp export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 225% against the previous year. In general, the export price posted a prominent increase. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Namibia (-0.7%).

Sulphite Wood Pulp Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, after four years of decline, there was growth in supplies from abroad of chemical wood pulp (sulphite, other than dissolving grades), when their volume increased by 3.8% to X tons. In general, imports, however, recorded a sharp slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 111%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sulphite wood pulp imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 93%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of sulphite wood pulp to South Africa, accounting for a 77% share of total imports. Moreover, sulphite wood pulp imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States amounted to -9.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-12.2% per year) and Brazil (-32.0% per year).

In value terms, the largest sulphite wood pulp suppliers to South Africa were the United States ($X), Germany ($X) and Brazil ($X), with a combined 100% share of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, the United States, with a CAGR of -8.4%, saw the highest growth rate of 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, growing by 24% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 53% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($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 (+2.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :