Pulp and paper price volatility, transport disruption and M&As close the year

Forest products market showcases a price record-breaking year in nearly every grade

Global record price highs were reported in nearly every forest products grade in 2021. For pulp, northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) prices in China hit an all-time high of $1,000 per tonne on a net delivered basis in May. Other regions, including the US and Europe, followed suit in the summer. Now pulp futures may be spurring on price increases again.

E-commerce continues to promote strong box demand globally. North American box makers struggle to hire enough workers for the plant floor. Box plants around the world are challenged to get supply in time to fulfill orders while supply chain disruptions persist.

Those shipping challenges and soaring freight rates continue to plague the pulp and paper supply chain and feed into higher prices.
Forest products 2021 – top content you may have missed

Case Study

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.

What to read next
Fastmarkets’ 2025 outlook for key raw materials and ingredients used in the production and distribution of fast-moving consumer goods.
Understand the impact of avian flu on Brazil's poultry exports and the packaging sector's critical challenges in the coming months.
Discover how Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer, leads in packaging paper and innovates with its Eukaliner product.
Discover key takeaways from the North American packaging market webinar, essential for supply chain and procurement leaders in 2025.
Explore the impact of the trade war on the Chinese paper market with insights into April's data and economic signals.
Get insights into the European pulp & paper sector and how US tariff discussions could influence future trade agreements.