Brazil leads world pulp production and export
After decades of robust investments in production, research and technology, the country overtook Canada and maintains its leadership in the pulp sector
Brazil became the largest producer and exporter of cellulose in the world in 2022, thanks to its forestry activities, which led it to reach historic milestones that consolidated it as a leader in the global market, obtaining annual revenue of BRL 250 billion.
Last year, the country’s wood fiber production reached 25 million tons, an increase of 10.9% over the previous year. Exports registered an increase of 22%, reaching 19.1 million tons. The data are from the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá).
Currently, Brazil has a total of almost 10 million hectares of cultivated areas and 6 million hectares of conservation of native forests.
With the good performance, the country widened its distance in relation to Canada, which occupies second place in the ranking of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) among the largest exporters of cellulose.
According to José Carlos Fonseca, executive director of Ibá, the advances made are the result of many decades of robust investments in production, research, and technology. “We have several centuries-old companies, and they all invested a lot in improvements and certifications so that we could reach this level”, said the executive.
In this way, Brazil managed to go through periods of turbulence in the global economy in recent years and continues to maintain billionaire contributions.
PROJECTIONS
By 2028, Brazil will receive investments of BRL 61.9 billion in expansion and new factories, including wood panels. The forecast is that another BRL 3 billion can be invested, placing the sector among the largest private investors in the country.
The Brazilian company Suzano, a world giant in pulp production, will complete 100 years and maintains the Cerrado Project in Mato Grosso do Sul, which comprises investments of BRL 22.2 billion. Another centennial, Klabin has BRL 14.5 billion in investments, and the Chilean Arauco has another BRL 15 billion.
“Even in the face of higher costs, the company took advantage of the price increase and remains competitive, maintaining the biggest investment cycle in its history,” said Walter Schalka, president of Suzano.
According to Rodrigo Libaber, commercial and logistics executive director at Eldorado Papel e Celulose, the global demand for pulp grows by an average of 1.5% per year. “China remains at the top, consuming more than 40% of pulp, followed by Europe and the Americas”, said the executive.
