This blog includes an excerpt from Forisk’s upcoming white paper Market Pressures and Policy Opportunities for the U.S. Pulp and Paper Sector. Forisk provides forest industry analysis and forecasts for clients through the Forisk Research Quarterly. To receive the white paper or for information on the Forisk Research Quarterly please visit forisk.com or contact Nick DiLuzio at ndiluzio@forisk.com.

Introduction

From 2019 through July 2026, 31 wood-using pulp mills closed in the United States. Forisk Consulting will publish a new white paper this week that examines the factors reshaping the U.S. pulp and paper sector and identifies policy opportunities to support the long-term competitiveness of domestic manufacturing, forest sustainability, and local communities.

Policy Recommendations

Authored by Brooks Mendell and Amanda Lang, Market Pressures and Policy Opportunities for the U.S. Pulp and Paper Sector draws on structured interviews with executives and managers representing wood-consuming operating assets across the United States. These conversations provide firsthand perspectives on the economic, operational, market, and policy factors influencing investment and operating decisions across the industry.

 

At the federal level, policy actions recommended by industry leaders included:

• Stable, levelizing trade policy. Firms want predictable policies that “level up” subsidized imports to account for production costs.
• Incentivize non-competing wood use. Policies that encourage the use of wood pulp (over plastic) and grow alternative uses for wood pulp had broad support.

 

At the state level, firms want to partner with state agencies when advancing capital projects or operating plants. Policy priorities include:

• Efficient permitting. Industry leaders want permitting to take less time and have fewer bottlenecks, which would reduce costs.
• Trucking and insurance. Policies that reduce costs or increase wood supply also help local mills, including expanding truck weights and lowering insurance costs.

 

 

To request a copy of the white paper, please complete this form.

 

To learn more about the Forisk Research Quarterly click here or email Nick DiLuzio at ndiluzio@forisk.com.