Get started

Latin America: A forest products market in transformation

5 key drivers to watch

July 31, 2021
Graphic paper Latin America Packaging Paper Pulp Sustainability

The Covid-19 pandemic swept through Latin America, bringing long-term change to local economies and industries. Consumer graphic paper consumption dropped as schools and offices closed while packaging demand rose due to home deliveries.

So much change in a short period has accelerated forest products supply and demand trends in the region. As economies try to recover, paper and packaging producers are working to keep their businesses profitable and sustainable. What are the five key factors to watch?

This video explores:

  1. A struggling economic recovery
  2. Growing sustainability initiatives
  3. Packaging demand
  4. Graphic paper decline
  5. The future of BEK pulp supply

 

 To stay on top of the latest trends and market shifts, visit our pulp, paper and packaging insights hub. 

Case Study
What’s behind your packaging price?

Learn how to monitor packaging prices using cost and price indices and understand the underlying cost drivers, from material cost to labor, energy and more. Examples include cartonboard, liquid container and paper bag.

Access index builder model examples
What to read next
European Forest Products Market Trends
Five key takeaways from Fastmarkets’ European Forest products conference
The Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026 brought together leaders from across the industry to discuss what pressures have gripped markets across the past year. Key takeaways: Interested in getting more insights like this firsthand? You can now register to attend the Fastmarkets Forest Products Latin America Conference 2026. Learn more. As recent geopolitical tension […]
March 13, 2026
 · 
By Cat Vitale
Architecture, Building, Factory
EAFs increasingly able to fill blast furnace gap: Electra
The steel market is increasingly pivoting away from blast furnace (BF) production and toward electric-arc furnaces (EAFs), Keith Shuttlesworth, chief commercial officer of clean iron technology company Electra, told Fastmarkets in an interview on Tuesday March 10.
March 12, 2026
 · 
By Alesha Alkaff
Aluminum ingots
Middle East conflict might create supply constraints, raise in aluminium premiums in Mexico
The Mexican aluminium market might be strongly affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with supply constraints and consequently higher premiums, market participants told Fastmarkets on Tuesday March 10.
March 12, 2026
 · 
By Leticia Simionato
Middle East: PIX GCC testliner and fluting price indices practically flat in February
Key takeaways: The indices for locally produced brown testliner and fluting showed minor drops in February. Fastmarkets calculated its monthly PIX Testliner GCC index at $462.20 per tonne on March 3, down by $0.18 per tonne (0.04%) from $462.38 on February 3. Fastmarkets calculated its PIX Fluting GCC index at $438.15 per tonne on March […]
March 9, 2026
 · 
By Mariam Icar
Plywood, Wood, Rock
Brazilian BEK buyers brace for price hikes amid early impacts of Middle East crisis
Brazilian BEK prices remained influenced by seasonal demand patterns, currency movements and buyer inventory strategies, as early signs of the Middle East conflict impact on pulp markets emerged through logistics and cost considerations.
March 6, 2026
 · 
By Jorge Barbosa
Packaging price trends and supplier cost analysis for FMCG buyers
Data-driven procurement: How to forecast and win on the shelf with private labels
Discover how data-driven procurement helps private label brands navigate rising costs, outperform national competitors, and maintain a winning shelf presence.
March 5, 2026
 · 
By the Fastmarkets team