Global Pulpwood Markets Continue Shift toward Developing Regions

Print this article | Send to Colleague

Over the next 10 years, consumption of pulpwood is expected to continue its shift from North America and Western Europe to Asia and Latin America. This shift will continue to keep prices low and impact species mix according to the 2012 World Pulpwood Study, released this week by RISI, Boston, Mass.

"For the past 15 years, we have seen steady trends in the market. Real prices for pulpwood have been tracking downward on a global-weighted basis, while the world's pulpwood supply potential has been rapidly expanding. As this trend continues, it is likely that any price gains will be mixed as some regions are expanding pulp and paper capacity, and others are closing due to narrowing profit margins," said Peter Barynin, principle timber economist at RISI. "We're also anticipating that as global demand for pulp accelerates and shifts towards other regions, changes in species mix and desired log grades will follow," he added.

More information is available online.