Brazil's export volumes of pulp up 12 per cent

The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) announced that combined export volumes of pulp, paper, and wood panels in 2016 increased over the previous year. In 2016, exports of pulp totaled 12.9 million tons (+12%); exports of paper totaled 2.1 million tons (flat); and exports of wood panels totaled 1 million m3 (+64%).

Exports Revenues. In 2016, the industry achieved exports totaling $7.4 billion (-1.6%), pulp achieved $5.5 million (-0.5%), paper with $1.8 billion (-7.4 %) and wood panels with $250 million (+28.2%) Total balance of trade for the industry from January to December 2016 is $6.6 billion, which represents a 2.4% increase compared to the balance of trade year-over-year.
Exports Destination. The Chinese market stabilized as the leading destination for pulp exports, achieving 38.9% of share ($2.1 billion), followed by Europe with 33.1% ($1.8 billion). Latin America was the main consumer market for paper and wood panels. Exports for the region respectively represented 60.6% ($1.1 billion) and 54.4% ($136 million).

Production. Brazilian pulp production achieved 18.7 million tons (+8.1%) in 2016. Paper production remained stable totaling 10.3 million tons.

This year will require a great effort from the companies in the planted tree industry to recover the drop in export prices and ensure an actual growth in revenue. The Brazilian Central Bank has been working to keep inflation within the middle of the target, and it is also essential that the Government concludes other reforms so that we can see a sustainable recovery of the Brazilian economy still this year,” said Elizabeth de Carvalhaes, Ibá's executive president.

“Under these circumstances, the forestry industry can clearly stand out, since there are expectations of Brazil jumping from 4th to 2nd largest pulp producer in the world already during the first months of 2017, surpassing Canada and China. This accomplishment will increase even more the visibility of the Brazilian industry in the global market, adding value and reputation, in addition to boosting trade and investments,” de Carvalhaes said.

The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) is the association responsible for institutionally representing the planted tree production chain, from the field to the industry, before its main audience of interest.

PULPAPERnews - SUECIA - 10 febrero 2017