The 2026 edition of International Pulp Week (IPW) brought together major pulp industry leaders, economists and market analysts in Vancouver to discuss the growing impact of geopolitics, tariffs and global supply chain restructuring on the pulp and paper sector.

Held from May 10 to 12 at the Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, the conference attracted around 160 participants, including:

• pulp producers
• tissue manufacturers
• logistics providers
• suppliers
• traders
• financial professionals

The event was organized by the Pulp and Paper Products Council.

Global Pulp Markets Face a New Era

One of the conference’s major themes was the transformation of the global economic order and its effect on pulp markets.

Kevin Mason, managing director of ERA Forest Products Research, discussed how the decline of what he described as “Pax Americana” is reshaping international trade patterns and commodity markets.

The presentation highlighted growing uncertainty surrounding:

• global trade flows
• industrial supply chains
• geopolitical fragmentation
• commodity pricing stability
• export competitiveness

For the pulp sector, these changes increasingly affect:

• freight costs
• fiber sourcing
• investment decisions
• regional competitiveness
• long-term market access

Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty Remain Key Concerns

Numera chief economist Joaquin Kritz Lara provided a broader macroeconomic outlook, focusing on:

• tariffs
• inflation
• economic slowdown risks
• commodity cycles
• pricing volatility for 2026

The discussion reflected growing industry concern that geopolitical instability and protectionist trade policies are making global pulp markets less predictable.

For pulp producers, especially export-oriented companies, shipping and logistics uncertainty are becoming as important as production costs themselves.

Suzano Highlights Industry Consolidation and Hardwood Growth

One of the most closely watched presentations came from Suzano managing director Rodrigo Marchi.

Marchi discussed how:

• geopolitical tensions
• consolidation
• changing trade patterns
• global competition

are reshaping the pulp industry.

He also emphasized the increasing use of hardwood pulp in tissue and paper furnishes.

Why Hardwood Pulp Matters

Hardwood pulp — especially eucalyptus pulp from Brazil — has become increasingly important because it offers:

• high bulk
• softness
• lower refining demand
• lower production costs
• efficiency advantages in tissue production

Many tissue producers are increasing hardwood ratios to improve product performance while lowering fiber costs.

This trend continues strengthening the global competitive position of South American pulp producers.

Specialty Cellulose Markets Continue Expanding

Christian Chavassieu, managing partner at CelCo, provided updates on the specialty cellulose market.

The session covered applications including:

• viscose
• acetate
• cellulose ethers
• industrial cellulose uses

Specialty cellulose remains an important higher-value segment for pulp producers seeking diversification beyond commodity pulp markets.

Demand growth continues in:

• textiles
• filtration
• pharmaceuticals
• food ingredients
• industrial chemicals

Industry Insight

International Pulp Week 2026 revealed an industry increasingly shaped by forces outside traditional pulp supply-demand cycles.

Today’s pulp market is being influenced simultaneously by:

• geopolitics
• energy costs
• trade policy
• logistics disruptions
• sustainability regulation
• fiber substitution trends
• consolidation

This creates both risks and opportunities for producers worldwide.

Final Thought

The discussions at International Pulp Week 2026 showed that the pulp industry is entering a more complex and strategic era.

Competitive advantage is no longer determined only by mill efficiency or fiber costs. Increasingly, success depends on supply chain resilience, geographic positioning, trade flexibility and the ability to adapt to shifting global market dynamics.

Last Updated on 26/05/2026 by Jota Machinery