Brazil maintains lead in global pulp exports

The United States remains structurally dependent on pulp imports, with market pulp accounting for 11% of total demand in 2024. According to Rabobank, Brazil dominates the U.S. supply of short-fibre pulp with an 82% share, supported by low costs, fast-growing eucalyptus, and large-scale integrated mills. Brazilian short-fibre production is expected to continue rising, driven by new projects and planned expansions through 2029.

The price gap between U.S.-produced long-fibre pulp and Brazilian short-fibre pulp has widened to USD 250–300 per metric tonne. Technological advances, such as enzymatic processes and low-intensity mechanical refining, allow the substitution of short fibre in tissue and packaging papers without compromising performance, further enhancing Brazil’s competitiveness.

In international trade, European Union pulp faces a 15% tariff in the U.S., while Brazilian pulp is taxed at 10% and benefits from favorable exchange rates and competitive freight. This combination ensures a strong delivered cost advantage, reinforcing the appeal of Brazilian pulp against global competitors.

The chart below shows Brazilian pulp exports since January 2022, based on DataLiner data:

Brazilian Pulp Exports | Jan 2022 to Aug 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Logistics also bolsters competitiveness. Port expansions on the U.S. East Coast and proximity to virgin fibre-consuming mills in the American Southeast help reduce bottlenecks in maritime transport and streamline flows. In addition, declining Chinese imports—driven by higher domestic production and slower economic growth—are opening new opportunities for Brazilian pulp.

Source: Agrolink

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