Brazilian pulp and paper exports rose 4.4% this year through May, compared with the same period in 2012, according to figures released this past week by the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Association (Bracelpa), São Paulo, Brazil. The value totaled $2.87 billion, of which $2.04 came from foreign sales of pulp, which rose 7.5%, and $831 million from paper, whose revenues dropped 2.5%.

The volume of pulp exported totaled 3.8 million metric tons from January to May, with growth of 9.4% over the same period last year. The greatest growth in consumption came from China, where sales expanded 20.6% and totaled $637 million, coming closer to the value obtained with sales to Europe of $837 million.

Brazilian production of pulp rose 3.9% through May, while paper production increased 1.4% over the same months in 2012. Production totaled 6 million metric tons of pulp and 4.2 million metric tons of paper in the first five months of the year.