Brazil's integration into the production and international commercialization of pulp

Abstract

This study aims to highlight some aspects of Brazil's insertion as a major global producer and exporter of pulp, highlighting how this process is part of the current phase of the International Division of Labor.
Based on secondary dataset, mainly from 2010 to 2024, organized into tables and graphs, the paper unfolds
differences in short-fiber pulp prices among Brazil, China, and Europe, highlighting that the upper price has been charged in Brazil´s domestic market, where domestic pulp makers have shown stronger market power rather than they have at international markets. The three largest national owned pulp companies rely their international sales on abroad subsidiaries, strategically located to supply their international buyers of pulp, but assuming the international prices of pulp. In 2024, exports of short-fiber pulp were primarily directed to China, the United States, and Italy, mainly through the ports of Santos and Vitória. The USA stands out as a major importer of Brazil´s pulp as well as a major exporter of pulp. Additionally, China´s importing of pulp has decreased in 2024 due this country slowing down economic growth, what arise as a major concerning for the Brazil´'s pulp growth in near future.