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Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (nbsk) Price Trend and Forecast

âźł Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) Price Trends by Country

cnChina
usUnited States
deGermany

Global northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch’s most active coverage of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp price assessment:

  • Brightness≥ 89% Ex-Shandong, China
  • Brightness≥ 89% DEL East Coast, USA
  • Brightness-90% FD Hamburg, Germany

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) Price Trend Q3 2025

In Q3 2025, the global Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) market showeduneven regional performance, with prices declining between 2% and 8% across major markets. In North America, values fell sharply through weak demand from packaging and paperboard sectors, elevated mill inventories, and restricted export opportunities. Europe experienced milder decreases, reflecting cautious procurement activity, moderate logistics challenges, and subdued demand from tissue and packaging applications.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, prices trended lower as subdued industrial consumption and balanced domestic supply maintained downward pressure, despite continued import competition. Overarchingly, the global NBSK market demonstrated a moderately bearish tone through the quarter, shaped by cautious purchasing behaviour, inventory adjustments, and uneven economic momentum across regions.

Germany

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) price in Germany, Brightness 90%.

According to PriceWatch, In Q3 2025, the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) price in Germany has eased slightly amid softened demand from the packaging and tissue sectors. FD Hamburg prices have ranged between USD 1400–1600 per metric ton, marking a quarterly decline of 1.9%.

Supply levels have remained sufficient in spite of slight logistics challenges, with market participants noting cautious buying amid inventory adjustments. Downstream customers have adopted a conservative procurement stance, weighing slow economic growth against steady cellulose supply from Nordic and North American sources.

Overall, the pricing environment has been moderately bearish with limited upside momentum. The Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp(NBSK) price trend in Germany has reflected these cautious and declining dynamics. In September 2025, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp(NBSK) prices in Germany have been within the USD 1400–1600 per metric ton range, maintaining a soft trading environment.

United States

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) price in the USA, Brightness ≥ 89%.

In Q3 2025, the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) price on the US East Coast has declined notably due to light demand from the packaging and paperboard segments. DEL East Coast prices have traded between USD 790–860 per metric ton, experiencing a quarterly drop of –7.6%. Market players have reported ample mill inventories and subdued buyer interest amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Reduced export opportunities and logistic cost fluctuations have pressured prices lower. End-users have favoured leaner stockholdings while evaluating market trends before committing to replenishment purchases. The Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft price trend in the USA has shown significant downward pressure during the quarter. In September 2025, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp(NBSK) prices in the USA have remained within the USD 790–860 per metric ton range, reflecting continued softness.

China

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft price in China, Brightness ≥ 89%.

In Q3 2025, the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) spot price ex-Shandong in China has declined moderately on subdued demand from the paper and packaging industries. Prices have ranged between USD 720–760 per metric ton, reflecting a quarterly decrease of 4.3%. Supply from domestic pulp mills has remained steady, but demand softness and conservative buying have limited price support.

Market participants have observed continued cost pressures and softened downstream consumption, prompting cautious order quantities. Import cargoes have faced competition from local supply, maintaining pressure on overall pricing conditions. The Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp(NBSK) price trend in China has reflected these weakening dynamics. In September 2025, NBSK prices in China have stayed within the USD 720–760 per metric ton range, indicating continued market softness.

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

According to the PriceWatch, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) Pulp prices in China were assessed at USD 789 per metric ton Ex Shandong by the end of Q2 2025, marking a slight decrease of 0.25%. The Chinese market witnessed limited procurement activity as paper manufacturers maintained cautious inventory levels amid muted packaging demand.

In Germany, seasonal softness in the printing sector and lower offtake from tissue producers contributed to weak market sentiment, keeping buying momentum restrained. Meanwhile, in the USA, demand remained steady but subdued due to persistent cost control measures in the paperboard and hygiene product industries, with no significant disruptions reported in domestic supply flows. 

In Q1 2025, the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) Pulp market in China saw a modest recovery, with prices rising to USD 791/MT, up 3.53%. This gain came as demand gradually returned after the Lunar New Year slowdown, with mills resuming operations and restocking to support production needs.

Tighter availability due to previous supply disruptions and fewer pulp shipments arriving on time also played a role in lifting prices. Additionally, expectations of stronger demand from North America and Europe encouraged Chinese mills to secure volumes early, contributing to the improved price trend. 

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, NBSK Pulp prices softened slightly to USD 764/MT, marking a 1.04% decline. Chinese mills entered a cautious phase, focusing on year-end destocking to reduce excess stock before closing books. Ongoing buyer resistance, where importers pushed back against higher prices, kept trade volumes moderate.

Although shipping delays remained an issue, particularly from Europe, the abundant supply from both domestic and international sources limited any significant upward movement in prices. 

In Q3 2024, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) Pulp prices in China dropped again to USD 772/MT, a 4.34% decrease from the previous quarter. This pullback happened as the market faced pressure from increased global supply—especially new capacity coming online in Brazil and China, which intensified competition.

A cooling in negotiations between international sellers and Chinese buyers led to a temporary price stalemate, with many buyers holding back or demanding discounts. Meanwhile, improved domestic supply and a buildup of inventories from earlier restocking further weakened price momentum. 

In Q2 2024, the NBSK Pulp market in China rebounded strongly, with prices climbing to USD 807/MT—up 10.25% from Q1. The price recovery was driven by tighter global pulp supply, especially after disruptions like the Finland strike and the Northwood mill shutdown in Canada, which limited availability.

Higher shipping costs due to the Panama Canal drought and Red Sea diversions also added to price support by delaying deliveries and reducing immediate stock levels. On top of that, seasonal improvements in packaging and printing demand encouraged mills to restock, boosting overall market activity. 

In Q1 2024, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) Pulp prices in China dipped to USD 732/MT, reflecting a 2.27% decrease from the previous quarter. This early-year drop was mainly due to slower buying activity following the Lunar New Year, as many mills paused operations and focused on managing existing inventories.

At the same time, trade uncertainty caused by ongoing global economic headwinds and talk of new tariffs on Canadian pulp made Chinese buyers more cautious in their purchasing decisions. Additionally, local overcapacity in the paper and board sector kept demand weak, putting extra pressure on import pricing. 

Technical Specifications of Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (nbsk) Price Trends

Product Description

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) is a premium-grade wood pulp produced from coniferous softwood trees typically spruce, fir, and pine grown in the colder climates of North America and Northern Europe. It is manufactured using the kraft pulping process followed by a thorough bleaching stage, NBSK is renowned for its long, strong fibres that provide exceptional tensile strength and reinforcement properties. It has low lignin content, high cellulose purity, good bonding potential, and has blending ability.

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)


Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp Synonyms:

  • NBSK
  • Northern Softwood Bleached Kraft Pulp
  • Bleached Northern Softwood Kraft Pulp
  • Long-Fiber Softwood Kraft Pulp
  • Elemental Chlorine-Free Softwood Pulp (ECF Softwood Pulp)
  • TCF Northern Softwood Pulp (Totally Chlorine-Free)


Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • Brightness≥ 89%
  • Brightness-90%


Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) 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 NBSK Price Reporting

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

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

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


Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSK) Manufacturers

Manufacturer 
West Fraser Timber Co Ltd 
Canfor Corporation 
Stora Enso 
Domtar Corporation 

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (nbsk) Industrial Applications

NBSK Pulp Market Share End Use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (nbsk) 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 NBSK Pulp price spikes in Europe and Asia. Ongoing Red Sea shipping diversions and port strikes further increased logistics costs. 
  • Environmental Regulations in China (2020-2023): Stricter pollution control laws and sustainability rules forced several pulp and paper mills in China to reduce operations or shut down altogether. These changes affected domestic demand for imported NBSK Pulp , leading to lower buying interest, fluctuating prices, and cautious procurement across the market. 
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021): During the early phase of the pandemic, pulp demand dropped due to reduced industrial activity and supply chain slowdowns. While tissue and hygiene product demand stayed strong, lower production in printing, packaging, and commercial paper sectors caused temporary price pressure on NBSK Pulp. 
  • Toxicity and Health Concerns (2015–2019): Growing concerns around chemical use in paper manufacturing and the perceived toxicity of some byproducts led to reduced use of certain pulp grades, including NBSK Pulp, in sensitive applications like food packaging and medical paper. As a result, demand from these segments weakened, contributing to slower market growth and price instability during this period. 


These factors highlight the NBSK Pulp 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 northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) 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 northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) market data.

Track PriceWatch's northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk) 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 NBSK Pulp production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire NBSK Pulp supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., Wood Chips, Caustic Soda, Sodium Sulfide 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 NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp 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 NBSK Pulp pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (nbsk) 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 northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (nbsk). 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.

NBSK pulp prices are mainly driven by the cost and availability of softwood raw materials, global supply chain conditions, and demand from key end-use industries like tissue, printing, and packaging. Other major influences include production disruptions (e.g., mill closures or labor strikes), shipping constraints (such as delays at ports or rising freight costs), and fluctuations in global demand, particularly from China and Europe. Procurement heads should also consider currency exchange rates and environmental regulations that may affect mill operations and pricing.

Supply disruptions—such as plant shutdowns in Canada, strikes in Europe, or delays in shipping due to events like Red Sea route diversions—can significantly reduce the availability of NBSK Pulp and drive-up prices. These disruptions often lead to longer lead times and increased procurement costs. To manage this risk, procurement teams should monitor key pulp-producing regions, diversify their supplier base, and maintain buffer inventories, when possible, to avoid sudden price spikes.

The price outlook for NBSK Pulp in 2025 remains cautious but slightly optimistic, with moderate recovery expected due to post-holiday industrial demand and controlled production levels. However, ongoing freight challenges and uncertain global economic conditions could still impact pricing. Procurement heads should stay updated with market reports, analyse trends in wood chip and energy costs, and consider entering flexible contracts or securing volume-based deals to stabilize procurement costs.

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