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IndiaIn Q1 2025, Fluff Pulp prices in the USA fell again to USD 924/MT, a 2.12% decline from Q4. This softness was due to slower domestic consumption early in the year, especially as hygiene manufacturers focused on clearing stocks built up in late 2024. Reduced export interest from China, where buyers continued to favor local alternatives, also weighed on US sales. Although operating rates at US mills remained steady, abundant supply in the market kept prices from recovering during the quarter.
In Q4 2024, prices dipped slightly to USD 944/MT, down 2.1%. This adjustment was expected, as many buyers reduced purchasing volumes to manage year-end inventories. The market also saw an increase in available supply from both domestic mills and global competition, particularly from South America, which added to the pressure. Meanwhile, some converters delayed orders in anticipation of better pricing in the new year, contributing to the overall cooling in trade activity.
In Q3 2024, Fluff Pulp prices in the USA jumped to USD 964/MT, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous quarter. The rise was mainly driven by higher export activity, as buyers in Latin America and the Middle East ramped up orders to meet peak hygiene product demand. Unplanned mill outages due to hurricane-related weather events in the Southeastern USA also limited production and reduced immediate availability. On top of that, a favorable price spread over SBSK encouraged more dedicated Fluff production, but not quickly enough to meet rising demand.
In Q2 2024, prices in the USA moved up modestly to USD 906/MT, rising by 1.57% from Q1. The increase was supported by seasonal demand growth from hygiene product manufacturers. Some tightness in availability was also seen due to planned maintenance at swing mills, which temporarily reduced production. Furthermore, improved margins encouraged a few mills to shift capacity back to Fluff, helping stabilize prices after a soft start to the year.
In Q1 2024, Fluff Pulp prices in the USA eased slightly to USD 892/MT, reflecting a 0.78% drop from the previous quarter. This decline came as US mills faced weaker export orders, especially from China, where substitution with local alternatives became more common. At the same time, stable demand in mature markets like North America couldn’t fully absorb the available supply, leading to a buildup of inventories. Additionally, the narrowing price spread between Fluff Pulp and Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft (SBSK) Pulp made swing mills less inclined to prioritize Fluff, adding to overall supply pressure.
In Q1 2025, the market experienced a slight decline with prices falling to USD 1110/MT, down 1.8% from the previous quarter. The early-year slowdown in purchasing, following the New Year and inventory carryover from Q4 2024, led to reduced buying activity across the sector. Import prices eased slightly as global availability improved, especially from the USA, where producers offered competitive rates to regain volume. Additionally, currency stabilization and smoother port operations in India helped maintain adequate supply at lower delivered costs.
In Q4 2024, Fluff Pulp prices in India softened slightly to USD 1130/MT, a marginal 0.88% decline. This modest drop was linked to cautious buying behaviour from converters aiming to control year-end inventories and manage cash flows. Abundant supply in the domestic market, as delayed shipments from earlier quarters finally arrived, also relieved some pricing pressure. Meanwhile, stable production from local hygiene manufacturers prevented any significant dip in demand but wasn’t strong enough to push prices up.
In Q3 2024, prices in India saw a sharp jump to USD 1140/MT, marking an 8.6% rise. The surge was primarily due to increased stocking by large hygiene product brands ahead of the festive season, which boosted procurement volumes. At the same time, some global suppliers diverted shipments to Latin America and the Middle East, reducing the quantity arriving in India. Moreover, heavy monsoon rains in western India affected inland logistics, causing delivery delays and pushing prices higher in key consumption hubs like Mumbai.
In Q2 2024, Fluff Pulp prices in India increased further to USD 1050/MT, up 1.94%. This gradual rise was supported by steady production activity in the hygiene and personal care sector, with manufacturers maintaining procurement to meet stable retail demand. Freight costs also remained elevated due to longer transit times from the USA and Europe, contributing to overall pricing pressure. Additionally, importers faced delays in customs clearance and port congestion in Mumbai, which restricted prompt availability and added to cost pass-throughs.
In Q1 2024, Fluff Pulp prices in the domestic market of India (Ex Mumbai) rose slightly to USD 1030/MT, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous quarter. The price uptick was mainly driven by firm demand from hygiene product manufacturers, especially in urban centers, where rising awareness and usage of baby diapers and adult incontinence products supported consumption. At the same time, the Indian Rupee weakened against the US Dollar, raising the landed cost of imported Fluff Pulp. Furthermore, limited import volumes arriving at key ports, as some suppliers prioritized other regions, led to tighter availability in the local market.
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These factors highlight the Fluff Pulp market’s sensitivity to global disruptions and energy price fluctuations, which have caused significant price volatility over the years.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Fluff Pulp pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Untreated Softwood Fluff Pulp mainly produced in the USA is made primarily from high-quality Southern softwood trees, known for their strong and long cellulose fibers. This pulp is processed without chemical treatment or additives, maintaining its natural fiber structure. It offers excellent bulk, high absorbency, and strong liquid distribution capabilities, making it ideal for use in hygiene and absorbent products. Being untreated, it also provides flexibility for customers who require pulp that can be tailored or modified in downstream applications.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Unit | Value |
| Basis Weight | g/m² | 750-770 |
| Caliper | mm | 1.2-1.3 |
| Density | kg/m³ | 625 |
| Moisture | % | 8-10 |
| Mullen | kPa | 1035 |
| Brightness (ISO) | % | 86 |
| DCM Extractives | % | <0.01 |
| Ash Content (525°C) | % | 0.16 |
| Fiber Average Length (LAWFL) | mm | 2.4-2.5 |
| Fiber Coarseness | mg/100m | 22-23 |
| Fiber Population | million fibers/g | 3-4 |
| Roll Diameter | cm | 120-152 |
| Roll Width | inches | 19.0 |
Applications
Untreated Softwood Fluff Pulp from the USA is widely used in the core layer of hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence briefs, and feminine hygiene pads due to its natural absorbency and softness. It’s also used in air-laid nonwovens for wipes and absorbent towels, as well as in specialty applications like pet pads and medical specialties. Since the pulp is untreated, it is especially valued by manufacturers who need to customize fiber treatment for specific product performance or environmental requirements.
Fluff Pulp prices are mainly influenced by raw material costs, especially the price of Southern Pine used to make SBSK (Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft). Global demand from hygiene product manufacturers, such as diaper and sanitary pad producers, also plays a key role. In export markets, changes in demand from major importers like China, India, Germany, and Italy directly affect US pricing. Additionally, freight rates, mill operating decisions (such as switching between SBSK and Fluff Pulp), and inventory levels at both mills and buyers can lead to price fluctuations.
Logistics costs from the US to Europe—especially to Italy and Germany can significantly affect Fluff Pulp pricing. Factors like shipping delays through the Red Sea, Panama Canal congestion, or rising fuel costs can increase the delivered price of US-origin pulp. If freight rates remain high or unstable, buyers in Europe may explore alternate sources or renegotiate contracts, which can influence US mills to adjust their pricing to stay competitive in the EU market.
Swing mills, which can switch between producing Fluff Pulp and SBSK (Southern Bleached Softwood Kraft), play a critical role in supply flexibility. When Fluff Pulp prices are high, mills tend to increase its production, leading to more supply and potential price drops. Conversely, when margins favor SBSK, Fluff Pulp supply tightens, causing prices to rise. Procurement professionals should factor in mill behavior and pulp market dynamics to anticipate price changes.
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