Pulp and Paper Industry

History

2024: Pulp production in Russia increased by 0.2% over the year to 7.1 million tons

Pulp production in Russia increased by 0.2% and reached 7.1 million tons in 2024. This indicator is presented in a study prepared by BusinesStat and published in April 2025. The growth of production, despite the moderate pace, indicates the stability of the industry against the background of changes in foreign economic conditions and the reorientation of export flows.

According to BusinesStat, the bulk of the production was provided by wood sulfate pulp - 5.7 million tons. This corresponds to 80.3% of the total production. The growth in production of this category is due to an increase in domestic demand for packaging types of paper and cardboard, including for craftliner, labels, labels, boxes and boxes. The increase in demand was recorded by manufacturers of consumer goods and pharmaceutical products, as well as against the background of the expansion of online trading channels.

Based on sulphate wood pulp, in 2024, industrial production of new types of products began, including offset paper with specified characteristics for medical printing, as well as high-strength cardboard for packaging pharmaceuticals. In addition, the production of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, which was previously supplied from abroad, was established.

According to BusinesStat analysts, in 2024, manufacturers adapted to foreign economic restrictions. Investment priorities were revised, the range was partially rotated, and interaction with key partners was strengthened.

The growth in production volumes is associated not only with stable demand in the domestic market, but also with the transition to import substitution models. The development of the kraft pulp direction ensured the replacement of part of the foreign supplies of critical packaging and printing products.^[1]

2023: Global pulp sales growth of 5.7% to 225 million tonnes Leading countries

In November 2024, it became known that the global pulp market showed significant growth in sales volumes. At the end of 2023, the figure increased by 5.7%, reaching 225 million tons compared to 213 million tons in the previous period.

According to Businessesstat, the leading position in the structure of global pulp consumption is occupied by China, which accounts for 77.5 million tons, which is 34.4% of global sales. The country's desire to strengthen its position in global industrial production is causing a growing need for raw materials of both local and foreign origin.

The second place in the ranking of the largest consumers is occupied by the United States of America with an indicator of 47 million tons, which is equivalent to 20.9% of the global market. The tendency to increase its own production capacity in the country is associated with the risks of deglobalization and a possible violation of established international production chains.

Closes the top three, the Brazil volume of pulp consumption in which reached 9.6 million tons, amounting to 4.3% of the global figure. The rest of the world accounts for 91 million tons, or 40.4% of global pulp consumption.

Analysts at Businessesstat note a consistently strong demand for pulp on a global scale with a trend towards further growth.

The growing popularity of cellulose products is due to its environmental friendliness, ease of disposal and rapid decomposition, which makes it an attractive alternative to synthetic materials, the study emphasizes.

According to the international pulp market survey conducted by Businessesstat in 2024, organic origin and environmental safety of products are becoming the main factors in increasing demand for pulp on a global scale.^[2]

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