Brazilian Pulp Production Evolution
Significant investments by the industry and Brazil’s economic development had expressive impacts on pulp production in the last ten years. The expansion of the segment has almost folded on this period, with an average growth rate of 6.5% per year. These figures are unique when compared with those for the industry’s more traditional markets. In 2008, the industry achieved an important milestone by becoming the world’s fourth largest pulp producer – surpassing all countries except the United States, Canada and China. This milestone was achieved in an adverse period, during the international financial crisis. In 2009, the industry kept its position at the global rank, having produced 13.5 million metric tons of pulp. In 2010, Brazilian pulp production reached 14 million metric tons.
