"The planned expansions of chemical pulp will likely have a profound impact on the global market and will likely influence strategic investments by producers over the coming years," said John Dixon, Global Forest, Paper, and Packaging Sector Leader, DTTL. "For example, certain European FP&P companies have already made significant investments in South America. The new technology and more efficient processes in the state-of-the-art mills serve as a competitive advantage to companies in the region."
According to the report, 7 – 8 million metric tons from five South American producers are expected to be available in 2014, targeted mainly for the export market. "With overall global demand light, South America's export competitiveness might be tied to its most significant trading partner, China, in the years to come as China remains the largest global consumer of chemical pulp," said Dixon.
The report concludes that open markets, renewed European and North American consumption, and meeting forecasted Chinese demand are needed to support longer-term growth for the global FP&P industry. Additionally, it discusses South America's potential to emerge as a significant force in the industry, driving other regions to take notice and adapt accordingly.
"The global FP&P companies that have made strategic investments in emerging markets such as those in South America will likely have a competitive advantage as the industry continues to evolve in the future," adds Dixon.
More information about this report is available online.
TAPPI
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