NBSK tends to be used where the strength of Nordic fibres brings tangible benefits, such as high quality quality tissue products, packaging materials and papers requiring high tear and/or tensile strength. The global market for NBSK is about 11 million tonnes, the balance of the long-fibre pulp segment being mixed softwood and southern softwood.
Asia and China in particular have been strong driving forces in the pulp market. Demand for hygiene products is expected to increase rapidly to keep pace with improving living standards. Average long term increase in NBSK demand hovers around by 2% and seems unlikely to drop.
Total market for traded pulp is 64 million tonnes of which short-fibre (hardwood) about 50%, long-fibre (softwood) about 40% and others about 10%.