The Pulp Trade Map · Makers and buyers
In 2024, the US exported about as much pulp as Canada, 7.5 million tons against 7.6 million tons, yet Canada sells 59.5% of what it makes and the US sells 18.7%. This post sets out the two North American stories: a Canadian exporter that is shrinking, and the world's largest producer with a fluff pulp base.
Published October 27, 2026 · Facts as of October 27, 2026 · 9 min read · Sources listed at the end
Facts as of October 27, 2026. This page states the facts as they stood on that date. Figures, rules and company plans may have changed since publication. We review this guide every six months and update the pages.
The 60-second version
What is it?
North America has two large pulp producers that work in different ways. Canada is an exporter of softwood pulp, and its exports are falling. The US makes more pulp than any other country, and fluff pulp is a visible part of its market.
Why does it matter?
Canada's mills depend on sawmill chips, and British Columbia has lost sawmill output and several pulp mills 1,6,7. The US South has one fluff mill being rebuilt while others close or change owner 9,10,11.
How does it work?
Read Canada through exports and fiber supply. Read the US through production and mill news. Each country needs its own questions, and the trade data for each have their own limits.
Myth or fact?
"Canada is the big North American pulp exporter and the US is a small player in pulp."
01How far have Canada's pulp exports fallen?
Canada's pulp exports fell from 9.7 million tons in 2015 to 6.9 million tons in 2025, a drop of 28.5%, as reported by Canada 12. The 2025 figure is provisional and may be revised 12.
The data show that volume fell while the mix of buyers stayed almost the same. China took 46.1% of Canada's tons in 2025 and the US took 30.1% 12. In 2015 the shares were 45.2% and 30.4% 12. Bleached softwood kraft, the strong long-fiber grade, was 62.0% of Canada's 2025 tons 12. Canada's reported shipments to the US were 2.1 million tons in 2025 (our calculation from the same rows) 12.
The US line on the chart has gaps. Most US weights in the data are UN estimates, and the weights for 2018 and 2025 failed our checks, so the chart leaves those years out 12. See why countries' pulp numbers do not match for the checks we apply.
Canada and US pulp exports, 2015 to 2025
- Canada
- United States (UN-estimated weights)
02Is Canada making less pulp, or only exporting less?
Canada is making less pulp. FAO puts Canada's wood pulp production at 17.2 million tons in 2015 and 13.5 million tons in 2024, a fall of 21.5% 13. Canada exported 59.5% of its 2024 production 13. The US exported 18.7% of its own, by the same FAO data 13.
Canada makes pulp mainly for sale abroad, so a fall in production shows up quickly in export tons. The US sells about one ton in five abroad, and it also imports 6.3 million tons a year 13. On the supply shift to South America, see Brazil.
Who makes pulp: Brazil, the Nordics, Canada and China, 1961 to 2024
- Brazil
- Sweden and Finland
- Canada
- China (mainland)
03Why do British Columbia pulp mills run short of fiber?
Canadian kraft mills use chips from sawmills. Mercer's two Canadian mills, Celgar in British Columbia and Peace River in Alberta, used about 4.5 million cubic meters of fiber in 2025, and about 71% was sawmill chips 1. Mercer says lower sawlog availability and lower sawmill activity cut chip supply and raised fiber costs in British Columbia 1. In Mercer's words, "incremental government duties and tariffs resulted in sawmill curtailments and permanent closures" 1.
Softwood lumber duties change with each review. Commerce set 20.56% for non-selected companies in its July 2025 final antidumping results 2. FPAC, the Canadian forest industry body, cited a preliminary combined rate of 24.83% for many producers on April 10, 2026, on top of 10% Section 232 tariffs 2. These duties apply to lumber, and pulp reaches them only through chips 2,14. Live rates sit in the pulp watch.
Canfor's president said the 2023 harvest was 42% below the allowable cut; the report does not say whether this covers the province or Canfor's own area 5. RBC Economics reports that British Columbia sawmill and wood preservation jobs fell 32% from May 2017 to November 2025 3.
Three British Columbia softwood mills have closed, idled or been set to close since December 2025. They add up to about 1.06 million tons a year of northern bleached softwood kraft capacity (our sum) 6,7,8. Companies give several reasons. Domtar cited poor pulp prices and "lack of access to affordable fiber in BC" for Crofton 7. For Howe Sound it cited reduced demand from Asia, poor pricing and "a decline in affordable domestic fiber" 8. Canfor cited global oversupply and persistent challenges accessing fiber for Northwood 6. Fiber is one reason among several. See why northern mills close.
British Columbia softwood kraft mills closed, idled or set to close since December 2025
04What makes the US the largest pulp producer?
FAO puts US wood pulp production at 36.9 million tons in 2024, which is 19.5% of the world's 189.1 million tons 13. Canada made 7.1% 13. The US is also the second largest importer, with imports of 6.3 million tons in 2024 13. On China, the largest buyer, see the buyer post.
US production has also fallen. It was 49.4 million tons in 2015 and 36.9 million tons in 2024, a drop of 25.4% 13. No source we found explains the full fall, so this post does not assign a cause.
In 2024 the US exported 7.5 million tons by UN-estimated weights 12. Bleached softwood kraft was 77.6% of those tons 12. By tons, the largest destinations were China at 19.2%, Mexico at 13.7% and Canada at 6.8% 12. Because most US weights are estimates, treat these shares as approximate 12.
05What is happening to fluff pulp in the US South?
Fluff pulp is a softwood pulp made to absorb liquid. Georgia-Pacific describes the output of its Alabama River mill as softwood fluff and market pulps 9. One US South mill is being rebuilt while others have closed, idled or changed owner.
- BEING BUILT: Georgia-Pacific announced $800 million for its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama. Output is to rise by about 300 tons a day, to close to one million tons a year. Work started in the fourth quarter of 2025 and ends in 2027 9.
- Idled: Domtar idled Coosa Pines, Alabama, in May 2026, for an expected period of more than one year. The idling cut annual market pulp capacity by about 270,000 air-dry metric tons. Domtar cited market conditions and aged assets 15.
- Closed: International Paper's Georgetown, South Carolina, fluff mill made about 5% of US fluff production, according to ResourceWise, a consultancy. It calls the closure a strategic decision tied to cost optimization 10.
- Sold: International Paper's sale of its Global Cellulose Fibers business to American Industrial Partners closed on January 23, 2026. The business now runs as an independent company with seven pulp mills and two converting facilities 11.
For a lender, a change of owner or a mill idling changes who the buyer and supplier risk sits with, and any offtake agreement tied to that mill may need a fresh look. See structured commodity finance.
06How do the two stories compare?
The table sets the two countries side by side. FAO rows and UN Comtrade rows come from different sources, so compare within a row and not across sources.
Canada and the United States in pulp
| Measure | Canada | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Wood pulp production, 2024 (FAO) | 13.5 million tons, 7.1% of world | 36.9 million tons, 19.5% of world, the largest |
| Change in production, 2015 to 2024 (FAO) | -21.5% | -25.4% |
| Exports as a share of production, 2024 (FAO) | 59.5% | 18.7% |
| Imports, 2024 (FAO) | 0.5 million tons | 6.3 million tons |
| Exports as reported by each country (Comtrade) | 6.9 million tons in 2025, -28.5% from 2015 | 7.5 million tons in 2024 (UN-estimated weights) |
| Bleached softwood kraft share of export tons | 62.0% (2025) | 77.6% (2024) |
| Largest buyers by tons | China 46.1%, US 30.1% (2025) | China 19.2%, Mexico 13.7%, Canada 6.8% (2024) |
| Mills in the news | Crofton, Howe Sound, Northwood | Alabama River rebuilt; Coosa Pines idled; Georgetown closed |
07What should traders watch next?
Four things decide the next chapter. First, whether more British Columbia mills close as chip supply stays tight. Second, the Northwood wind-down in late 2026. Third, the Alabama River rebuild, due in 2027. Fourth, the March 2027 reset of North American list prices, which changes the reference price in many contracts; see one ton, two prices. The list below is dated, with the most recent item first.
- 2027Georgia-Pacific's Alabama River rebuild is due to finish, adding about 300 tons a day 9.
- Mar 2027Fastmarkets starts new North American effective list prices, 45% lower than current list prices 16.
- Late Q4 2026Canfor expects to close Northwood, about 300,000 tons a year of NBSK 6.
- Aug 20, 2026Domtar idles Howe Sound indefinitely, about 380,000 tons a year of NBSK 8.
- May 2026Domtar idles Coosa Pines in Alabama, about 270,000 air-dry metric tons of market pulp 15.
- Jan 23, 2026American Industrial Partners completes its purchase of Global Cellulose Fibers from International Paper 11.
What this means for traders
- For Canadian softwood pulp, ask each seller about chip supply and mill status. Three British Columbia mills have closed, idled or been set to close since December 2025.
- For US fluff and market pulp, check which mills run and who owns them. Alabama River is being rebuilt, and Coosa Pines is idled.
- For working capital tied to stock or receivables, see inventory finance and buyer, country and performance risk. Treat US export weights as estimates.
Questions traders ask
How much has Canada's pulp export volume fallen?
Canada's exports fell from 9.7 million tons in 2015 to 6.9 million tons in 2025, a drop of 28.5%, as reported by Canada to UN Comtrade. The 2025 figure is provisional.
Who buys Canada's pulp?
China took 46.1% of Canada's 2025 export tons and the US took 30.1%, as reported by Canada. Their shares were close to that in 2015 as well, at 45.2% and 30.4%.
Why are British Columbia pulp mills closing?
Companies give several reasons. Domtar cited poor pulp prices, reduced demand from Asia and a lack of affordable fiber. Canfor cited global oversupply and difficulty getting fiber. Mercer says sawmill closures cut the chip supply that its mills use.
Which country makes the most pulp?
The US. FAO puts its 2024 wood pulp production at 36.9 million tons, 19.5% of the world total. Canada made 7.1%.
What is happening at US fluff pulp mills?
Georgia-Pacific is rebuilding its Alabama River mill for $800 million, with work due to end in 2027. Domtar idled Coosa Pines in May 2026, and International Paper closed its Georgetown mill. American Industrial Partners completed its purchase of International Paper's fluff pulp business on January 23, 2026.
Read next
- Inside the millWhy northern mills close: the companies' own reasons
- Money and rulesPulp watch: every rule and date in one place
- Money and rulesOne ton of pulp, two prices: $1,710 or $722?
- Start hereWhy countries' pulp numbers don't match
- Makers and buyersBrazil: can the largest pulp exporter keep growing?
- Makers and buyersChina: the largest buyer is building its own mills
- Ossiano Trade Finance GuideHow each trade finance instrument works
- GlossaryTrade finance terms in plain English
Buying or selling North American pulp? Ossiano Capital works on trade finance for pulp and paper trades.
Start the ConversationSources and notes
- Mercer International Inc., Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, Item 1 (Celgar and Peace River capacity, fiber use, chip share, fiber costs). https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1333274/000119312526048855/merc-20251231.htm
- US Department of Commerce, final antidumping results for Canadian softwood lumber, July 25, 2025; FPAC, FPAC urges renewed engagement toward a durable resolution to the softwood lumber dispute, April 10, 2026. https://fpac.ca/posts/fpac-urges-renewed-engagement-toward-a-durable-resolution-to-the-softwood-lumber-dispute
- RBC Economics, Decades of trade disputes reshape Canada's softwood lumber sector, February 25, 2026. https://www.rbc.com/en/economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Decades-of-trade-disputes-reshape-Canadas-softwood-lumber-sector.pdf
- PaperAge, Canfor Pulp to curtail production at Northwood, May 10, 2024. https://www.paperage.com/2024news/05-10-2024canfor-pulp-to-curtail-production-at-northwwod.html
- The Canadian Press via CTV News BC, Canfor to close sawmill, curtail pulp production citing B.C. policy changes, May 9, 2024. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/canfor-to-close-sawmill-curtail-pulp-production-citing-b-c-policy-changes-1.6881143
- Canfor Corporation, Canfor announces closure of Northwood pulp mill, July 14, 2026; PaperAge, Canfor to permanently close its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, July 15, 2026. https://www.canfor.com/newsroom/2026-07-14/canfor-announces-closure-of-northwood-pulp-mill
- Domtar Corporation, Form 8-K Exhibit 99.1, Domtar to permanently close Crofton Mill, December 2, 2025. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1381531/000119312525311445/d30819dex991.htm
- Domtar, Howe Sound mill operations indefinitely idled, August 20, 2026. https://www.domtar.com/press_releases/pr-howe-sound-indefinitely-idled/
- PaperAge, Georgia-Pacific announces $800 million capital investment in Alabama River Cellulose mill, September 10, 2025. https://www.paperage.com/2025news/09-10-2025georgia-pacific-announces-$800-million-capital-investment-in-alabama-river-cellulose-mill.html
- ResourceWise, What the closure of major fluff pulp mill tells us about the direction of the market, April 23, 2025 (analyst view). https://www.resourcewise.com/blog/what-the-closure-of-major-fluff-pulp-mill-tells-us-about-the-direction-of-the-market
- American Industrial Partners, completion of its acquisition of International Paper's Global Cellulose Fibers business, January 23, 2026. https://americanindustrial.com/news/american-industrial-partners-completes-acquisition-of-international-papers-global-cellulose-fibers-business/
- UN Comtrade, exports reported by Canada and the United States, HS 470100, 470200, 470311, 470319, 470321, 470329 and 470500, 2015 to 2025, partner rows with weights that failed our checks left out; downloaded October 2026 and checked by us. https://comtradeplus.un.org/
- FAOSTAT Forestry, item 1875 Wood pulp, production, imports and exports, 1961 to 2024; downloaded October 2026 and checked by us. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FO
- The White House, Proclamation 10976, Adjusting Imports of Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products into the United States, September 29, 2025 (scope names softwood timber and lumber, upholstered wooden products and kitchen cabinets). https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/adjusting-imports-of-timber-lumber-and-their-derivative-products-into-the-united-states/
- Domtar Corporation, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Coosa Pines idling); Domtar, press release on Coosa Pines, March 24, 2026. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001381531/000119312526350599/ck0001381531-20260630.htm
- Fastmarkets, Final decision on consultation to reset European, North American pulp benchmark prices, July 21, 2026. https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/final-decision-on-consultation-to-reset-european-north-american-pulp-benchmark-prices/
Trade figures come from UN Comtrade (2015 to 2025, as reported by 10 countries) and FAOSTAT (1961 to 2024), checked and recalculated by us; each chart names whose data it uses. All tons are metric tons. All facts on this page are as of October 27, 2026, the date of publication, and may have changed since. For rules and tariffs, check the pulp watch before you act.
About this post. Prepared for Ossiano Capital. People planned, researched, wrote and checked this post, using AI tools to help with research and checking. You are welcome to quote or reuse it: please credit Ossiano Capital and link to this page.
