Wood pulp; mechanical wood pulp

HS code 470100 covers the trade of wood pulp, which is a crucial raw material for the production of various paper and paperboard products. Wood pulp is a fibrous material obtained from the mechanical or chemical processing of wood, and it serves as the primary ingredient in the manufacture of a wide range of paper-based goods, from newspapers and magazines to packaging materials and tissue products. As a fundamental component of the global paper industry, the trade of wood pulp plays a significant role in the broader economy, supporting industries that rely on paper-based solutions for their operations and consumer needs.

The production of wood pulp, as described by HS code 470100, primarily involves mechanical or chemical processes. Mechanical pulping uses physical means, such as grinding or refining, to separate the wood fibers, while chemical pulping utilizes various chemical treatments to dissolve the lignin that binds the fibers together. These processes result in the production of different types of wood pulp, each with unique properties and applications.

The main inputs required for the production of wood pulp under HS code 470100 include raw wood materials, such as softwood or hardwood logs, as well as various chemicals and energy sources. Specialized machinery, such as pulp mills, grinders, and refiners, are also essential for the mechanical and chemical processing of the wood. Additionally, water is a crucial input, as it is used extensively in the pulping and purification stages of production.

The primary output of HS code 470100 is wood pulp, which can be further classified into different grades and types based on the specific production methods and wood sources used. This wood pulp is then consumed by various 470200 Chemical wood pulp, dissolving grades, 470300 Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulfate, other than dissolving grades, and 470500 Chemical wood pulp, sulfite, other than dissolving grades industries, as well as the broader 480100 Newsprint, in rolls or sheets, 480200 Uncoated paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, and 481910 Cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard sectors.