May 26, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: Japan – Unbleached Sulphite Pulp – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The demand for unbleached sulphite pulp in Japan is expected to increase over the next decade, with a projected CAGR of +1.3% in volume and +4.6% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market is forecasted to reach 79 tons in volume and $665K in value.
Market Forecast
Driven by rising demand for unbleached sulphite pulp in Japan, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 79 tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $665K (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionJapan’s Consumption of Unbleached Sulphite Pulp
In 2024, the amount of unbleached sulphite pulp consumed in Japan contracted sharply to 68 tons, shrinking by -18.9% against 2023 figures. In general, consumption recorded a drastic downturn. Unbleached sulphite pulp consumption peaked at 606 tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
The size of the unbleached sulphite pulp market in Japan reduced markedly to $407K in 2024, which is down by -18.9% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a strong increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $5.3M. From 2018 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.
ProductionJapan’s Production of Unbleached Sulphite Pulp
Unbleached sulphite pulp production in Japan stood at 115 tons in 2018, stabilizing at 2017. Over the period under review, production showed a sharp decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume decreased by 99.9% against the previous year. Unbleached sulphite pulp production peaked at 363 tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, unbleached sulphite pulp production totaled $418K in 2018 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a significant decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with a decrease of 99.9% against the previous year. Unbleached sulphite pulp production peaked at $1.7M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, production failed to regain momentum.
ImportsJapan’s Imports of Unbleached Sulphite Pulp
Unbleached sulphite pulp imports into Japan surged to 115 tons in 2024, picking up by 23% on the previous year. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 3,999,900% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at 606 tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, unbleached sulphite pulp imports skyrocketed to $53K in 2024. In general, imports, however, faced a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 4,353,100%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $5.3M in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, the United States (115 tons) was the main unbleached sulphite pulp supplier to Japan, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States stood at -14.0%.
In value terms, the United States ($53K) constituted the largest supplier of unbleached sulphite pulp to Japan.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to -11.4%.
Import Prices By Country
The average unbleached sulphite pulp import price stood at $465 per ton in 2024, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price posted a moderate expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 26,184% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $66,913 per ton. From 2018 to 2024, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.
As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.
From 2013 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United States amounted to +3.1% per year.
ExportsJapan’s Exports of Unbleached Sulphite Pulp
In 2024, overseas shipments of unbleached sulphite pulp were finally on the rise to reach 46 tons for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports continue to indicate a significant expansion. The exports peaked at 89 tons in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, unbleached sulphite pulp exports soared to $11K in 2024. Over the period under review, exports recorded prominent growth. The exports peaked at $25K in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Exports By Country
Indonesia (46 tons) was the main destination for unbleached sulphite pulp exports from Japan, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total exports.
From 2019 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Indonesia stood at +21.5%.
In value terms, Indonesia ($11K) also remains the key foreign market for unbleached sulphite pulp exports from Japan.
From 2019 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to Indonesia totaled +14.4%.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average unbleached sulphite pulp export price amounted to $233 per ton, reducing by -5.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 a decrease of -5.8%. The export price peaked at $315 per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Indonesia.
From 2019 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Indonesia amounted to -5.9% per year.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
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