Brazil maintains leadership in the export of cellulose.

The United States remains structurally dependent on cellulose imports, with market cellulose representing 11% of total demand in 2024. According to Rabobank analysis, Brazil dominates the supply of short-fiber cellulose to the U.S., with an 82% share, supported by low costs, fast-growing eucalyptus trees, and large-scale integrated mills. Brazilian short-fiber production is expected to continue growing, driven by new projects and planned expansions until 2029. The price difference between U.S.-produced long-fiber cellulose and Brazilian short-fiber cellulose has widened to USD 250 to USD 300 per metric ton. Technological advancements, such as the use of enzymatic processes and low-intensity mechanical refining, allow short-fiber cellulose to replace long-fiber in tissue papers and packaging without compromising performance, increasing Brazilian competitiveness. In international trade, European Union cellulose faces a 15% tariff in the U.S., while Brazilian cellulose is taxed at ...