Brazil's Production and Export of Pulp Increased in Q1 2023, China Remains Top Destination

Brazilian pulp exports in the first quarter of 2023 totaled 4.7 million tons, an increase of 12.9%.

May 24, 2023 - According to the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá), Brazil's pulp production for the first quarter of 2023 increased by 2.6%, while the volume of exports grew by 12.9% compared to the same period in 2022.

Paper production hit 2.7 million tons in the first quarter.

"The cultivated trees sector continues in its purpose of providing environmentally friendly alternatives for Brazil and the world," said Ambassador José Carlos da Fonseca Jr., Ibá's executive director. "The advance in pulp production is an example of this commitment. From the raw material are originated several bioproducts, from the best known, such as paper packaging, books, diapers, wipes and toilet paper, to items present in everyday life through clothes, medicines, food, cosmetics, among others. This has everything to do with the current demands of the foreign market and how the Brazilian tree sector successfully meets them."

In monetary values, the sector brought foreign exchange to the country that totaled US$ 2.9 billion between January and March (+17.3%). This result favored the trade balance of the sector, which totaled US$ 2.6 billion (+16.5%).

China continues to be the main destination of pulp exports produced in Brazil, reaching US$ 962.9 million traded in the first three months of 2023 -- a growth of 38.2% compared to the same period of 2022. With regard to paper, Latin America remains the main buyer of Brazil and totaled US$ 395 million in the negotiations of the product.

In the first quarter of 2023, pulp production reached 6.1 million tons (+2.6%). Paper manufacturing reached 2.7 million tons in the period. The production of packaging paper reached 1.5 million tons and for sanitary purposes 349 thousand tons, an increase of 5.8%

Pulp exports from January thru March totaled 4.7 million tons, an increase of 12.9%. Paper totaled 489,235 tons traded with other countries between January and March.

The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) is the association responsible for the institutional representation of the productive chain of planted trees, from the field to the industry, together with its main stakeholders. Launched in April 2014, it represents 49 companies and nine state entities of products originating from the cultivation of planted trees - wood panels, laminate floors, pulp, paper, energy forests and biomass - as well as independent producers of planted trees and institutional investors.

SOURCE: Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá)