In the first half of 2025, Brazil's total wood pulp exports reached 11.1 million tons, an increase of 18.1% year-on-year; the number of ships calling at the port during the same period was 328, an increase of 14.7% year-on-year.
Brazil's pulp industry performed strongly in the first half of this year, with exports significantly increasing compared to 2024, primarily driven by recovering demand in China and the United States and a stronger US dollar. The gradual recovery in prices and the continued operation of newly commissioned projects have supported Brazil's competitiveness in the global market.
Despite numerous uncertainties in the external environment, Brazil's pulp industry has demonstrated strong resilience.
According to Wilson Sons data, in the first half of 2025, the Port of Santos exported 4.8 million tons of pulp, a 22.0% increase, with 137 vessel calls, a 23.4% increase; the Port of Portocell exported 3.5 million tons of pulp, a 9.7% increase, with 118 vessel calls, a 7.3% increase; and the Port of Rio Grande exported 1.3 million tons of pulp, a 35.3% increase, with 31 vessel calls, a 14.8% increase.
The newly imposed 50% tariff by the United States has created uncertainty for Brazilian exports and may affect shipments to this key market. A slowdown in global economic growth could dampen overall demand, but exports could further shift toward Europe and Asia.