The rise and fall of the Canadian pulp and paper sector

Abstract

The Canadian pulp and paper sector grew from a newsprint production centre to feed the United States newspaper industry to become one of the most significant pulp and paper manufacturing centres in the world, especially in mechanical pulp and paper products. Despite its size it has never broken completely free from its U.S. roots. Recent changes in the U.S. markets, coupled with trade globalization, and increased competition from other producing regions have led to significant change in the Canadian sector since 2000. Looking out over the next ten years, trends are expected to persist and present numerous challenges to the Canadian pulp and paper products industries and dependent industries.