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Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (bhkp) Price Trend and Forecast

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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) Price Trends by Country

cnChina
deGermany
usUnited States

Global bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch’s most active coverage of Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) price assessment:

  • (Brightness ≥ 88%) Ex-Shandong, China
  • (Brightness ≥ 88%) DEL East Coast, USA
  • Mixwood (Brightness ≥ 88%) FD Hamburg, Germany

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, the global Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) market trended downward, driven by subdued demand and sufficient supply across major regions. In Europe, prices declined notably as weak consumption from tissue and printing paper segments, combined with elevated inventory levels, continued to exert pressure despite efforts to adjust production.

North America followed a similar pattern, with moderate reductions reflecting cautious procurement behavior and stable supply conditions amid muted demand from tissue and packaging applications. Across the Asia-Pacific region, pricing softened slightly as consistent production and competitive availability maintained balanced trading dynamics.

Overall, the global BHK market remained under pressure through the quarter, shaped by sluggish downstream activity, ample supply, and restrained purchasing sentiment, resulting in a generally subdued pricing environment heading into Q4 2025.

Germany

Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in Germany, Grade: Mixwood (Brightness ≥ 88%).

In Q3 2025, the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) price in Germany has declined sharply, pressured by slow demand from tissue and printing paper manufacturers and ample domestic supplies. FD Hamburg prices have fallen by 10.9% quarter on quarter, trading between USD 1000–1200 per metric ton. Buyers have scaled back procurement amid excess inventories and a cautious outlook for downstream consumption.

Producers have responded by moderating output, but price recovery has been limited due to abundant availability and subdued new orders. Market sentiment has remained soft across both export and domestic segments.

The Bleached Hardwood Kraft price trend in Germany has reflected a pronounced downward movement with limited recovery signs. In September 2025, Bleached Hardwood Kraft prices in Germany have remained within the USD 1000–1200 per metric ton range, maintaining weak market fundamentals.

United States

Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in the USA, Grade: (Brightness ≥ 88%).

According to PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) price in the USA has decreased moderately as tissue and specialty packaging sectors have continued to manage stocks conservatively. DEL East Coast prices have slipped by 5.2% from the previous quarter to USD 730–770 per metric ton.

Suppliers have maintained steady delivery flows, but buyers have been selective with orders amid weak demand and balanced inventory levels. Price adjustments have reflected the broader slowdown in North American hardwood pulp consumption.

The Bleached Hardwood Kraft price trend in the USA has indicated steady downward pressure. In September 2025, Bleached Hardwood Kraft prices in the USA have stayed between USD 730–770 per metric ton, showing continued moderation.

China

Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in China, Grade: (Brightness ≥ 88%).

According to PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) price in China has softened slightly, impacted by muted demand from paper mills and competitive supplies. Ex-Shandong prices have fallen by 1.2%, ranging between USD 510–540 per metric ton. Producers have kept operations steady, but downstream buyers have adopted a cautious stance, limiting order sizes as inventories have stayed sufficient.

The market has remained steady, with minimal volatility observed throughout the quarter. The Bleached Hardwood Kraft price trend in China has reflected slight weakness under stable supply conditions. In September 2025, Bleached Hardwood Kraft prices in China have remained within the USD 510–540 per metric ton range, showing consistent stability.

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) prices in China were assessed at USD 538 per metric ton Ex Shandong by the end of Q2 2025, reflecting a sharp decrease of 10.88%. Chinese buyers remained hesitant amid high port inventory levels and slow recovery in packaging and paper demand.

In Germany, prices were initially higher due to strong demand and tight supply in April, supported by producer price hikes and cost pressures, but normalized in the later part of the quarter as inventory management stabilized.

Meanwhile, in the USA, prices saw a slight decrease as abundant supply, inventory build-up, and weak export momentum led to aggressive spot offers, gradually easing after earlier disruptions. 

 

In Q1 2025, Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) prices in China saw a slight recovery, increasing to USD 604/MT, up 3.78% from the previous quarter. This modest rise was supported by a gradual pickup in domestic paper production as operations resumed after the Lunar New Year.

Improved purchasing from converters in Southeast Asia and moderate restocking by local mills also helped support the rebound. Additionally, a reduction in new supply from a few Chinese producers balancing production volumes helped ease some of the pricing pressure seen in late 2024. 

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) Pulp market in China continued its downward trend, with prices dropping to USD 582/MT, a 9.77% decline from Q3. A key reason for the price drop was aggressive year-end destocking by traders and mills, who aimed to clear inventories before closing books.

The continued slowdown in the global packaging industry, especially in Europe, reduced export demand. Meanwhile, falling energy and transportation costs also allowed suppliers to offer more competitive pricing, further dragging the market down. 

In Q3 2024, Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) Pulp prices in China fell sharply to USD 645/MT, marking an 11.52% decline from the previous quarter. The main reasons for this downturn were the return of steady production from domestic mills, which led to abundant supply in the market.

Weaker global pulp prices also added pressure, especially as international buyers reduced their intake due to high inventories. Additionally, softer demand from the pharmaceutical and publishing sectors made mills more cautious with procurement, contributing to the overall bearish tone. 

In Q2 2024, the Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) Pulp market in China saw a strong recovery, with prices rising to USD 729/MT, showing a 10.62% increase from Q1. This price jump was largely driven by a rebound in demand from the paperboard and tissue sectors, especially as downstream converters prepared for mid-year packaging requirements.

On top of that, higher shipping costs caused by vessel delays and route changes led to tighter availability of imported pulp. Some domestic mills also slowed output temporarily for maintenance, reducing supply and helping support the upward pricing trend. 

In Q1 2024, Bleached Hardwood Kraft (BHK) Pulp prices in China declined to USD 659/MT, down by 3.23% compared to the previous quarter. This drop was mainly due to lower demand from the domestic packaging and printing industries following the Lunar New Year holiday, as many mills operated at reduced capacity.

In addition, an abundant supply of BHK Pulp from newly expanded Chinese pulp lines created stock pressure in the local market. Sluggish export interest, especially from buyers in Southeast Asia, also added to the softness in pricing during the quarter.

Technical Specifications of Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (bhkp) Price Trends

Product Description

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) is a high-quality hardwood pulp produced through the kraft process followed by chlorine-free bleaching to achieve excellent brightness and purity. It is characterized by short, fine fibers that provide smooth surface properties, good opacity, and uniform paper formation. BHKP offers strong bonding, softness, and high bulk, making it well-suited for premium tissue, printing, and writing papers, as well as specialty paper grades. It is chemically rich in cellulose and low in lignin and extractives. BHKP ensures stability, strength, and clean processing during papermaking. It is derived from sustainably managed hardwood sources and supports efficient and environmentally responsible paper production.

Identifiers and Classification:

  • CAS No: 65996-61-4
  • HS Code: 47032900
  • Molecular Formula: Not applicable (natural polymeric mixture of cellulose)
  • Molecular Weight: Variable (approximately 162–300 kDa for cellulose polymer chains)


Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) – Synonyms:

  • BHKP
  • Hardwood Bleached Kraft Pulp
  • Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp
  • Eucalyptus Bleached Kraft Pulp (when derived from eucalyptus)
  • Elemental Chlorine-Free Hardwood Pulp (ECF Hardwood Pulp)
  • Totally Chlorine-Free Hardwood Kraft Pulp (TCF Hardwood Kraft Pulp)


Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • (Brightness ≥ 88%)
  • Mixwood (Brightness ≥ 88%)


Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 90-100 MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): 200-250 Kg per Bale


Incoterms Referenced in BHKP Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FD Hamburg  Hamburg, Germany  Domestically traded Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in Germany 
DEL East Coast  East Coast, USA  Domestically traded Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in USA 
Ex-Shandong  Shandong, China  Domestically traded Bleached Hardwood Kraft price in China 

Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the BHKP being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for BHKP packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.


Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (BHKP) Manufacturers and their brands

Brand Name  Manufacturer 
NA  Suzano S.A. 
NA  Arauco 
NA  Stora Enso 
Metsä Birch  Metsa Group 

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (bhkp) Industrial Applications

BHK Pulp Market Share End Use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (bhkp) prices

  • U.S.-Canada Trade War (2025): Tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian pulp and Canada’s retaliatory measures disrupted supply chains. As Canada is a major global pulp supplier, reduced exports led to BHK price spikes in Europe and Asia. Ongoing Red Sea shipping diversions and port strikes further increased logistics costs. 
  • China’s Pulp Overcapacity (2024): China significantly expanded its domestic hardwood pulp production, prioritizing cost-effective BHK output. As a result, BHK imports into China dropped by 7% year-on-year. The global market experienced price declines due to oversupply and subdued Chinese demand. 
  • Global Production Halts (2023–2024): Temporary shutdowns at Asia Symbol’s 1.5M tonne BHK mill in China (due to water shortages) and Suzano’s production issues in Brazil created tight supply conditions. BHK prices rose in Europe and Asia as inventories dropped to around 1.55M tonnes by March 2024. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): The pandemic disrupted global supply chains and manufacturing operations. BHK producers faced factory shutdowns, labour shortages, and logistical challenges as transportation routes were heavily impacted. This caused production slowdowns, especially in key producing countries like China and Europe. These factors highlight the BHK market’s sensitivity to global disruptions and energy price fluctuations, which have caused significant price volatility over the years. 

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) market data.

Track PriceWatch's bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp) price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major BHK production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire BHK supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Hardwood Logs, Wood Chips, and Sodium Hydroxide etc.) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact BHK prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on BHK production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., Paper industry, Printing and Packaging Industry), to predict shifts in BHK demand and corresponding price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global BHK production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming BHK production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including Paper industry, Printing and Packaging Industry. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global BHK pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast BHK prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable BHK pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Bleached Hardwood Kraft Pulp (bhkp) Market Price Trend provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for bleached hardwood kraft pulp (bhkp). PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

BHK pulp prices are shaped by a range of global and regional factors. The primary drivers include the cost and availability of hardwood raw materials like eucalyptus and acacia, energy and chemical costs (such as caustic soda and chlorine dioxide), and logistics expenses. Additionally, supply-demand balance, mill maintenance shutdowns, global paper demand (especially in packaging, tissue, and printing sectors), and environmental regulations around sustainable forestry practices also significantly impact pricing. Monitoring these variables helps procurement heads forecast cost trends and manage purchasing strategies effectively.

Supply chain disruptions—such as port congestion, container shortages, or transportation strikes—can lead to delayed shipments and constrained availability of BHK pulp in key markets. These issues often result in sharp price increases due to tighter supply. Moreover, geopolitical tensions or environmental events (like floods or droughts in key producing regions such as Brazil or Southeast Asia) can impact raw material harvesting or pulp mill operations. Procurement leaders should proactively track these risks and consider building strategic inventories or sourcing from multiple regions to mitigate price volatility.

BHK pulp prices differ across regions due to factors like local raw material supply, production capacity, transportation costs, and import/export duties. For instance, South America—especially Brazil—is known for competitive BHK pricing due to abundant eucalyptus plantations and high production efficiency. Meanwhile, prices in Europe or North America may be higher due to stricter environmental regulations and higher labor or logistics costs. Procurement teams can benefit by diversifying their sourcing base, evaluating landed cost comparisons, and leveraging regional market insights to optimize procurement strategies and control input costs.

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