Exports in the sector totaled $7.1 billion during the year, representing an increase of 7.5% over 2012. Pulp exports reached 9.4 million metric tons and paper totaled 1.8 million metric tons. Europe remained the main destination for Brazilian pulp, generating approximately 40% of the revenues with sales of the product to foreign markets, followed by China and North America, with 30% and 20%, respectively.
In regards to paper, accumulated export revenues registered 1% growth compared with last year, totaling $1.9 billion. Latin America then follows as a major market for the product, being responsible for approximately 14% and 13%, respectively. Shipments to North America grew by 35% during the year.
Sales of paper to the domestic market totaled 5.7 million tons and had an accumulated growth of 2.9% in the year compared with 2012, i.e., indicating stability in the Brazilian market.
During 2013, the sector had major achievements in the measures against the improper usage of tax-exempt paper, which is exclusively destined to the printing of books, newspapers, and magazines. Labeling requirements on tax-exempt paper packaging, the commitment of the production chain with the action and, mainly, the nationalization of "RECOPI" (Recognition and Control System for Tax-exempt Paper Operations) were the most relevant events. In the case of RECOPI, the sector expects that state governments will implement the system as soon as possible to close eventual loopholes in the law.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/