Pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic… (chapter 47): which countries import it
Chapter 47 covers wood pulp, chemical pulp and recovered paper. Global imports reached USD 40.4 billion in 2024, with China as the largest buyer. Spain…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 47 covers wood pulp, chemical pulp and recovered paper. Global imports reached USD 40.4 billion in 2024, with China as the largest buyer. Spain ranks 14th globally and is a significant EU supplier. Before exporting, confirm tariffs, certifications and environmental regulations in your target market.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 47
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 22,512,696,591 |
| United States | 4,141,701,862 |
| Germany | 4,013,401,650 |
| India | 3,357,675,394 |
| Italy | 2,243,062,406 |
| Indonesia | 1,546,204,208 |
| Türkiye | 1,496,369,639 |
| South Korea | 1,396,910,933 |
| France | 1,315,624,791 |
| Mexico | 1,289,000,268 |
| Netherlands | 1,243,160,884 |
| Thailand | 1,199,884,388 |
| Japan | 1,134,856,786 |
| Spain | 1,045,624,332 |
| Malaysia | 1,017,487,987 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Wood pulp, mechanical wood pulpHeading 4701
- Chemical wood pulp, dissolving gradesHeading 4702
- Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, other than dissolving gradesHeading 4703
- Chemical wood pulp, sulphite, other than dissolving gradesHeading 4704
- Wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulping processesHeading 4705
- Pulps of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard or of other fibrous cellulosic materialHeading 4706
- Waste and scrap of paper and paperboardHeading 4707
Trade fairs in this sector
- Advanced Factories
- bauma
- BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
- Hannover Messe
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING
What you need to know to export pulp and recovered paper
Chapter 47 includes seven product categories: mechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp in different grades, pulp from combined mechanical and chemical processes, and pulp or waste from recovered fibers. Each heading has different production requirements, end uses and tariff treatment.
China imports over USD 22.5 billion annually in this chapter—more than five times the second-largest buyer. The United States, Germany, India and Italy are also major importers. Spain's position as the 14th global importer reflects strong regional trade within Europe rather than long-distance markets.
Recovered paper exports face stricter rules in some markets. China, for example, has tightened contamination limits and may require pre-shipment inspection. Check the importer's local regulations before shipment; a container rejected at port costs more than confirming rules at the start.
Transport costs matter in this sector: pulp is low-margin and weight-intensive. Calculate the landed cost carefully, including freight, insurance and tariffs, before quoting. Many suppliers use long-term contracts rather than spot sales.
Questions about exporting Chapter 47 products
Do I need different certifications for chemical pulp than for recovered paper?
Yes. Chemical pulp requires forest management and chain-of-custody certification (PEFC, FSC) if you claim sustainable origin; buyers often demand it even if not required by law. Recovered paper requires proof of post-consumer or industrial waste origin and contamination testing. Some markets ban certain types of recovered fiber entirely. Check your importer's specifications before production or collection.
What's the difference between soda pulp and sulphate pulp for tariff purposes?
They are different headings with different duty rates. Soda pulp is Heading 4703; sulphite pulp is Heading 4704. Both are chemical pulps but produced by different processes. Your tariff classification depends on the production method, not the intended use. Misclassification can trigger customs delays or duties owed at entry.
Can I export recovered paper to China at the same cost as to Europe?
No. China has strict contamination limits (below 0.5% for most grades) and requires testing certificates. Shipping costs are also higher for long distances. European buyers typically accept higher contamination thresholds and are closer. Calculate landed cost separately for each market; Asia may not be viable for all grades.
Do trade agreements reduce tariffs on pulp exports from Spain?
Within the EU, no tariff applies to other member states. To non-EU countries, it depends on their trade agreement with the EU. Many countries have 0% or reduced rates for certain pulp grades under bilateral or multilateral agreements. However, recovered paper sometimes faces higher duties as a waste product. Check the destination country's tariff schedule or use an importer's local customs broker.
How long does a typical pulp export transaction take from order to delivery?
Within Europe, 4 to 8 weeks (production, quality testing, customs clearance, transport). To Asia or the Americas, 8 to 16 weeks depending on shipping method, port congestion and inspection requirements. Recovered paper may face pre-shipment inspection that adds 1 to 3 weeks. Agree timelines and inspection points with your buyer before contract signing.
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