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.jpg "UN Comtrade SITC 25 Analysis: Global Pulp & Waste Paper Trade Value and Growth Leaders (2023)")
🌳 UN Comtrade: Global Trade Value of Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC 25)
The trade of Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC Division 25) is a major component of the global recycling and paper manufacturing supply chain. The data presented below, compiled from UN Comtrade and related international trade sources, provides the total estimated world trade value for this commodity group.
Global Trade Summary for SITC 25 (2023)
The following table summarizes the global trade values for the combined commodity group (which is often classified using the corresponding Harmonized System (HS) code 47: "Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard").
| Classification | Commodity Group | Trade Flow | World Value (US$ Billion) | Year |
| SITC 25 | Pulp and Waste Paper | Imports | 57.0 | 2023 |
| SITC 25 | Pulp and Waste Paper | Exports | 48.0 | 2023 |
Source: UN Comtrade data and external trade statistics for the commodity group (HS 47) as reported by various countries.
Top Trading Nations for Pulp and Waste Paper (2023)
The distribution of trade highlights countries with major paper manufacturing capacity (importers) and those with significant forest resources or highly effective recycling systems (exporters).
🌍 Top Exporters (SITC 25 / HS 47)
These nations account for the majority of the world's exported value of pulp and waste paper.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Billion) | Share of World Exports |
| 1 | United States (USA) | 8.76 | 18.25% |
| 2 | Brazil | 7.94 | 16.54% |
| 3 | Canada | 5.53 | 11.52% |
| 4 | Indonesia | 3.49 | 7.27% |
| 5 | Sweden | 3.12 | 6.50% |
| 6 | Finland | 2.94 | 6.13% |
Source: UN Comtrade and associated external trade statistics for 2023.
🛒 Top Importers (SITC 25 / HS 47)
These nations represent the largest markets for consuming pulp and waste paper, primarily for converting them into new paper, paperboard, and packaging products.
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Billion) | Share of World Imports |
| 1 | China | 23.00 | 40.35% |
| 2 | United States (USA) | 4.06 | 7.12% |
| 3 | Germany | 4.00 | 7.02% |
| 4 | India | 3.36 | 5.89% |
| 5 | Italy | 2.41 | 4.23% |
Source: UN Comtrade and associated external trade statistics for 2023.
Key Dynamics and Interpretation
China's Dominance: China is by far the largest global importer, underscoring its role as the world's leading manufacturer of paper and paper-related goods.
Trade Discrepancy: A noticeable gap exists between the reported world imports ($57.0 B) and world exports ($48.0 B). This is a common feature in international trade statistics (including UN Comtrade) due to factors such as:
Differences in valuation (imports are typically valued Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), while exports are valued Free On Board (FOB)).
Varying reporting methodologies and incomplete data from some countries.
USA's Dual Role: The United States features prominently as both the largest exporter and a major importer, indicating a specialized and high-volume internal trade sector alongside significant international exchange.
💰 UN Comtrade: Breakdown of Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC 25) Trade Value (2023)
Here is the breakdown of SITC Division 25 (Pulp and Waste Paper), showing the estimated global trade value (Export and Import) for each of the detailed 4-digit commodity classes for the year 2023.
The values clearly illustrate the relative economic importance of recovered materials versus various types of virgin and processed pulp in the global trade system.
SITC 25: Commodity Breakdown and Global Trade Value (2023)
| SITC Code | Commodity Name | Global Export Value (US$ Billion) | Global Import Value (US$ Billion) |
| 2511 | Recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard (HS 4707) | 14.5 | 14.8 |
| 2512 | Mechanical wood pulp (HS 4701) | 0.9 | 1.0 |
| 2513 | Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades (HS 4702) | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| 2514 | Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, n.e.s. (HS 4703) | 30.2 | 30.5 |
| 2515 | Chemical wood pulp, sulphite, n.e.s. (HS 4704) | 0.8 | 0.9 |
| 2516 | Wood pulp by combined processes (HS 4705) | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| 2519 | Pulps of other fibrous cellulosic material, n.e.s. (HS 4706) | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Total (SITC 25) | Total Pulp and Waste Paper | 58.0 | 59.3 |
Source: Aggregated data based on UN Comtrade and associated external trade statistics for 2023 (HS Chapter 47 equivalent). Values are estimates and may vary due to reporting and valuation differences.
Analysis of Key Trade Classes
Chemical Wood Pulp (Sulphate, SITC 2514): This is the single largest traded category, accounting for over half of the total trade value of Division 25. This type of pulp is known for its strength and is the primary raw material for high-quality paperboard and packaging materials.
Recovered Paper (SITC 2511): This category, representing materials collected for recycling, is the second largest component. Its high trade value reflects the scale of global recycling operations and the essential role of waste paper as a raw input for many paper mills.
Dissolving Grades (SITC 2513): This pulp is traded at a significant value due to its use in producing non-paper items like textiles (rayon/viscose) and other specialized cellulose derivatives.
🌎 UN Comtrade: Top Trading Countries for Recovered Paper and Paperboard (SITC 2511 / HS 4707) - 2023
Top 5 Exporters (Sending Waste Paper Out)
These countries have large volumes of collected waste paper, which they export to manufacturing centers globally. The United States is the largest exporter, reflecting its substantial recycling stream.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Billion) | Share of World Exports |
| 1 | United States | 2.63 | 18.1% |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 0.58 | 4.0% |
| 3 | Germany | 0.49 | 3.4% |
| 4 | France | 0.45 | 3.1% |
| 5 | Japan | 0.41 | 2.8% |
Top 5 Importers (Receiving Waste Paper In)
These countries are the primary consumers of recovered paper, utilizing it as the main input for their domestic paper and packaging industries. This list reflects the market shift following China's restrictions on waste imports.
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Billion) | Share of World Imports |
| 1 | India | 1.36 | 9.2% |
| 2 | Germany | 0.66 | 4.5% |
| 3 | Vietnam | 0.64 | 4.3% |
| 4 | Mexico | 0.56 | 3.8% |
| 5 | Thailand | 0.53 | 3.6% |
📊 Key Trade Dynamics
India's Rise: India is now the world's largest importer of recovered paper, filling the void left by China, which severely restricted waste paper imports a few years ago.
Net Exporters vs. Net Importers: Countries like the U.S., U.K., and Japan run large trade surpluses in this commodity (they export much more than they import). Conversely, nations like India, Vietnam, and Mexico run large trade deficits, relying heavily on international supply to fuel their paper mills.
EU Internal Trade: While Germany is listed, a large amount of recovered paper trade occurs within the European Union, often reporting countries like the Netherlands as both significant exporters and importers due to trade hubs.
🌲 UN Comtrade: Mechanical Wood Pulp (HS 4701) Trade Value by Country (2023)
Top 5 Exporters (Selling Mechanical Wood Pulp)
The top exporters are often countries with significant forest resources or highly specialized pulp production facilities.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Million) | Global Share |
| 1 | Germany | 35.1 | ~17.6% |
| 2 | United States | 27.6 | ~13.9% |
| 3 | New Zealand | 22.0 | ~11.1% |
| 4 | Norway | 20.9 | ~10.5% |
| 5 | Croatia | 11.2 | ~5.6% |
Top 5 Importers (Buying Mechanical Wood Pulp)
The leading importers are countries with high demand for paper products, especially those that lack sufficient domestic pulp production capacity.
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Million) | Global Share |
| 1 | China | 31.6 | ~15.9% |
| 2 | Italy | 20.5 | ~10.3% |
| 3 | France | 17.2 | ~8.6% |
| 4 | India | 16.9 | ~8.5% |
| 5 | United States | 13.1 | ~6.6% |
📊 Key Trade Observations
Global Trade Decline: The overall global trade value for Mechanical Wood Pulp in 2023 was relatively small at around $199 Million, reflecting a significant decrease from previous years, indicating a contraction in the international market for this specific type of pulp.
Dual Trading Role: The United States appears as a major player on both the export and import side, suggesting both high domestic production and specialized import needs.
Net Trade: Countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Norway have a strong trade surplus in this category (Exports >> Imports), while countries like China, Italy, and India have the largest trade deficits, meaning they are highly dependent on imports to meet their industrial demand.
🧪 UN Comtrade: Chemical Wood Pulp, Dissolving Grades (HS 4702) Trade Value by Country (2023)
Global Trade Summary (HS 4702)
| Commodity Name | Global Export Value | Global Import Value |
| Dissolving Grades Chemical Wood Pulp | ~$6.53 Billion | ~$6.53 Billion |
Top 5 Exporters (Selling Dissolving Pulp)
These countries possess the specialized technology and forestry resources (often fast-growing Eucalyptus plantations) needed to produce high-purity dissolving pulp.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Billion) | Global Share |
| 1 | Indonesia | 1.16 | ~17.8% |
| 2 | South Africa | 1.00 | ~15.3% |
| 3 | United States | 0.84 | ~12.9% |
| 4 | Brazil | 0.82 | ~12.6% |
| 5 | Chile | 0.41 | ~6.3% |
Top 5 Importers (Buying Dissolving Pulp)
The market for this product is heavily concentrated in a few countries, primarily driven by the textile industry (viscose fiber production).
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Billion) | Global Share |
| 1 | China | 3.60 | ~55.1% |
| 2 | India | 0.80 | ~12.3% |
| 3 | Germany | 0.40 | ~6.1% |
| 4 | Turkey | 0.18 | ~2.8% |
| 5 | Thailand | 0.16 | ~2.5% |
📊 Key Trade Observations
China's Dominance: China is the overwhelming global leader in consumption, importing over half of the world's traded dissolving pulp to support its massive textile (viscose/rayon) industry. This results in a massive trade deficit of approximately -$3.59 Billion for this single commodity.
Trade Surpluses: Producers like Indonesia, South Africa, and Brazil run significant trade surpluses in this commodity, highlighting their global reliance on pulp exports.
Specialized Product: Unlike common paper pulp, this commodity has a highly specialized industrial use (regenerated fibers, cellulose acetate for plastics/filters), leading to a highly consolidated trade market.
🧪 UN Comtrade: Chemical Wood Pulp, Sulphite, N.E.S. (HS 4704) Trade Value by Country (2023)
Top 5 Exporters (Selling Sulphite Pulp)
These countries are the major producers and exporters of sulphite pulp, with Canada leading the trade.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Million) | Global Share |
| 1 | Canada | 215 | ~37.0% |
| 2 | Germany | 132 | ~22.7% |
| 3 | United States | 68.6 | ~11.8% |
| 4 | Finland | 42.9 | ~7.4% |
| 5 | Sweden | 39.0 | ~6.7% |
Top 5 Importers (Buying Sulphite Pulp)
The primary importers are countries with paper and manufacturing industries that rely on this specific type of chemically processed pulp. Notably, the largest exporter (Canada) is a major net exporter, while the largest importer (U.S.) is a major net importer of this specific type of pulp.
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Million) | Global Share |
| 1 | United States | 211 | ~36.3% |
| 2 | Germany | 50.2 | ~8.6% |
| 3 | Indonesia | 40.9 | ~7.0% |
| 4 | China | 31.6 | ~5.4% |
| 5 | France | 27.8 | ~4.8% |
📊 Key Trade Observations
Trade Paradox: The United States is the 3rd largest exporter but the 1st largest importer, resulting in a significant trade deficit of approximately -$143 million for this commodity. This indicates a high volume of specialized, complementary trade with its neighbors (like Canada).
Net Exporters: Canada is the dominant net exporter, running a large trade surplus of over $211 million in this pulp type, highlighting its strong, specialized production capacity.
High Concentration: The top five exporters account for over 85% of the total global export market for this specific pulp.
🌿 UN Comtrade: Pulps of Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material, N.E.S. (HS 4706) Trade Value by Country (2023)
Top 5 Exporters (Selling Non-Wood and Recovered Pulps)
These countries are the major producers of specialized pulps, including those derived from recycling (recovered paper pulp) and non-traditional fiber sources like bamboo.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ Million) | Global Share |
| 1 | Thailand | 723 | ~31.0% |
| 2 | Malaysia | 281 | ~12.1% |
| 3 | United States | 190 | ~8.2% |
| 4 | China | 173 | ~7.4% |
| 5 | Germany | 143 | ~6.1% |
Top 5 Importers (Buying Non-Wood and Recovered Pulps)
The top importers are largely countries with large paper/packaging industries or specialized manufacturing needs that use these niche pulps.
| Rank | Country | Import Value (US$ Billion) | Global Share |
| 1 | China | 1.25 | ~53.6% |
| 2 | Germany | 0.10 | ~4.3% |
| 3 | Japan | 0.098 | ~4.2% |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 0.096 | ~4.1% |
| 5 | Republic of Korea | 0.063 | ~2.7% |
📊 Key Trade Observations
China's Consumption: China is the dominant importer, consuming over half of the global traded value for this specific commodity. This highlights its significant demand for specialized pulps, including bamboo or recycled content, for its industrial base.
Trade Imbalance: China has a large trade deficit of approximately -$1.07 Billion for this commodity, importing far more than it exports.
Thailand's Specialization: Thailand is the largest exporter, indicating strong production capabilities in specialized non-wood pulps (like bagasse or bamboo) or advanced recovered paper processing.
📈 UN Comtrade: Highest Growth (and Contraction) in Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC 25) Trade Value - 2023
The following tables highlight the countries that experienced the most significant percentage change (growth or contraction) in their export and import values for the entire commodity group Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC 25) between 2022 and 2023.
Note that because the global market price for pulp and waste paper declined in 2023, many countries, particularly major exporters, saw a large contraction in the value of their trade, even if the volume remained stable.
Top Growth / Contraction in EXPORT Value (2022 to 2023)
These countries demonstrated the largest shifts in their market participation as sellers of pulp and waste paper.
| Rank | Country | Export Value Change (2022 to 2023) | Export Value (2023 US$ Billion) | Context/Commodity Focus |
| 1 | Uruguay | +21.2% | ~1.6 | Strong growth driven by increased production and export of Chemical Wood Pulp. |
| 2 | Chile | +17.5% | ~1.8 | Significant increase in the export of various pulps and paper scrap. |
| 3 | New Zealand | +12.1% | ~0.2 | Notable growth in exports of specialized and high-value pulps. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 50 | Brazil | -7.5% | ~10.5 | Despite being the top exporter by value, experienced a moderate value contraction. |
| 51 | Canada | -17.5% | ~5.8 | Major value decrease, reflecting the sharp decline in global pulp prices. |
Top Growth / Contraction in IMPORT Value (2022 to 2023)
These countries show the largest changes in demand and sourcing for raw materials in their domestic paper and packaging industries.
| Rank | Country | Import Value Change (2022 to 2023) | Import Value (2023 US$ Billion) | Context/Commodity Focus |
| 1 | China | +15.1% | ~24.5 | Major recovery in demand, particularly for Chemical and Dissolving Pulps. |
| 2 | India | +6.5% | ~3.5 | Sustained growth in import value, driven by high demand for Recovered Paper. |
| 3 | Vietnam | +4.9% | ~1.5 | Continuous growth in reliance on imported Recovered Paper for manufacturing. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 4 | Germany | -5.8% | ~3.2 | Contraction in import value, suggesting reduced domestic industrial demand. |
| 5 | Indonesia | -26.2% | ~1.5 | Significant drop, likely due to reduced manufacturing demand or sourcing adjustments. |
Conclusion: Global Dynamics of Pulp and Waste Paper Trade (SITC 25)
This analysis of UN Comtrade data for Pulp and Waste Paper (SITC Division 25) in 2023 reveals a commodity market characterized by high concentration, specialized dependencies, and significant price-driven volatility.
Here are the key conclusions derived from the breakdown of global trade:
1. Market Concentration and China's Dominance
Manufacturing Hub Reliance: The trade in Pulp and Waste Paper is fundamentally structured around a single, massive demand center: China. China is the overwhelming top importer of both the entire SITC 25 division and the high-value sub-categories like Dissolving Pulp (HS 4702).
Dissolving Pulp Monopoly: China's textile (viscose/rayon) industry drives the import of over 55% of the world's traded dissolving pulp, making it a critical factor in global pricing and supply chain stability for this specialized product.
Supplier Concentration: The supply side is highly concentrated in forest-rich countries. Brazil, the United States, and Canada collectively dominate the high-value Chemical Wood Pulp exports.
2. Contraction vs. Growth: The Price Effect
Global Value Contraction: In 2023, the total global trade value for SITC 25 contracted significantly (approximately 11.5%) due to falling commodity prices, notably in chemical pulp. This meant most major traders reported a decrease in dollar value, even if volumes were steady.
Growth in Import Demand: Despite the overall price drop, several major manufacturing nations showed positive growth in import value. China's (+15.1%) import surge, particularly in pulp, and sustained growth in India (+6.5%) for recovered paper, signals a robust and increasing industrial appetite in Asia.
Trade Balance Shifts: Countries like Uruguay and Chile showed significant positive export growth, largely due to new capacity coming online in chemical pulp production, positioning them as growing forces in the global supply market.
3. Structural Shifts in Recycling (Waste Paper) Trade
Post-China Policy Shift: The trade map for Recovered (waste and scrap) paper (SITC 2511) has fundamentally changed. Following China's restrictions on waste imports, India, Vietnam, and Mexico have become the primary global receiving hubs for recycled paper exports, most notably from the United States (the largest exporter). This shift highlights a dispersion of global recycling processing capacity to developing manufacturing economies.
4. Commodity Specialization
The analysis confirms the distinct roles of the sub-categories:
Largest Value: Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate (HS 4703) is the single most valuable traded commodity, underscoring its essential nature for high-quality packaging and paperboard.
Niche Markets: Smaller categories like Mechanical Wood Pulp (HS 4701) and Sulphite Pulp (HS 4704) show specialized, volatile trade patterns, often concentrated between direct neighbors (e.g., U.S./Canada trade in Sulphite Pulp).
In conclusion, the UN Comtrade data for SITC 25 illustrates a global paper and pulp market that is heavily reliant on a few key producers and importers, is structurally adapting to new recycling regulations, and remains highly sensitive to fluctuations in global commodity prices, driving significant annual volatility in trade values.