Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Paper Market

The global market for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper is set to see an increase in consumption and value over the next eight years, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.8%. China is the largest consumer of these papers, followed by the United States and India. In terms of production, China leads by a significant margin. The United States and Germany are the top importers and exporters of uncoated wood free printing and writing paper. The average export price for these papers increased in 2022, with differences in prices depending on the country of origin. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trend.

Market Forecast

Driven by rising demand for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper worldwide, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 49M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.4% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $61.4B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers decreased by -5.8% to 43M tons, falling for the third consecutive year after six years of growth. Overall, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the consumption volume increased by 2.4%. Over the period under review, global consumption of attained the peak volume at 51M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The revenue of the market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers worldwide reduced slightly to $46.8B in 2022, flattening at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 9.1%. Global consumption peaked at $51.6B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Consumption By Country

China (13M tons) remains the largest uncoated wood free printing and writing paper consuming country worldwide, comprising approx. 31% of total volume. Moreover, consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (5.7M tons), twofold. India (3.6M tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with an 8.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China totaled +1.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-3.7% per year) and India (+8.5% per year).

In value terms, China ($14.4B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($6.8B). It was followed by India.

In China, the market of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers expanded at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-2.9% per year) and India (+6.4% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of uncoated wood free printing and writing paper per capita consumption in 2022 were the United States (17 kg per person), Germany (16 kg per person) and Italy (14 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Russia (with a CAGR of +31.1%), while papers for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers decreased by -4.7% to 43M tons, falling for the third year in a row after eight years of growth. In general, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 2.1%. Over the period under review, global production of hit record highs at 50M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers dropped to $44.1B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 11% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $50.4B. From 2019 to 2022, global production of growth failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers was China (14M tons), accounting for 32% of total volume. Moreover, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (4.8M tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by India (3.9M tons), with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China totaled +1.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-5.2% per year) and India (+8.4% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

Global imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers reduced to 13M tons in 2022, waning by -9.7% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports recorded a slight contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 5.9%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 16M tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of global imports of failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers surged to $16.5B in 2022. In general, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Global imports peaked at $16.9B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

The United States (1.2M tons) and Germany (1.1M tons) represented roughly 17% of total imports in 2022. The UK (633K tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 4.8% share, followed by France (4.6%). Italy (458K tons), Japan (454K tons), Turkey (451K tons), China (367K tons), Belgium (339K tons), the Netherlands (316K tons), Nigeria (304K tons), Vietnam (289K tons) and Mexico (288K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +7.5%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($1.4B), Germany ($1.4B) and the UK ($905M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 22% of global imports. France, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Japan, Belgium, Mexico, China and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.

Among the main importing countries, Vietnam, with a CAGR of +7.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets (5.1M tons) and graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls (4.6M tons) represented roughly 73% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by paper & paperboard; uncoated, writing, printing, graphic, non-perforated punch-cards, punch tape paper, 0-10% wgt mechanical/chemi-mechanical process fibre, except paper of heading no. 4801 or 4803, rolls or sheets, weight between 40-150g/m2 (inclusive) (2.4M tons) and uncoated paper and paperboard, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or of which <= 10% by weight of the total fibre content consists of such fibres, weighing > 150 g/m² (0.8M tons), together committing a 24% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for uncoated paper and paperboard, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or of which <= 10% by weight of the total fibre content consists of such fibres, weighing > 150 g/m² (with a CAGR of +0.1%), while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of imported uncoated wood free printing and writing papers were paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($5.8B), graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls ($5.6B) and paper & paperboard; uncoated, writing, printing, graphic, non-perforated punch-cards, punch tape paper, 0-10% wgt mechanical/chemi-mechanical process fibre, except paper of heading no. 4801 or 4803, rolls or sheets, weight between 40-150g/m2 (inclusive) ($3.3B), together accounting for 89% of global imports.

Graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls, with a CAGR of +1.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

The average import price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers stood at $1,247 per ton in 2022, increasing by 30% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was paper and paperboard; uncoated, of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets ($2,024 per ton), while the price for paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($1,138 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by paper and paperboard; uncoated, of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets (+3.1%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average import price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers amounted to $1,247 per ton, surging by 30% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($1,463 per ton), while China ($857 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (+3.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, approx. 14M tons of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers were exported worldwide; with a decrease of -6.5% against 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 4.6%. Over the period under review, the global exports of attained the maximum at 16M tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers soared to $16.2B in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the global exports of reached the maximum at $16.3B in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

In 2022, Indonesia (2.9M tons), distantly followed by Portugal (1.5M tons), China (0.9M tons), Germany (0.9M tons) and Brazil (0.8M tons) represented the major exporters of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, together generating 51% of total exports. Thailand (535K tons), Slovakia (531K tons), Sweden (493K tons), India (485K tons), Canada (482K tons), Poland (458K tons), France (318K tons) and Italy (312K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for India (with a CAGR of +8.5%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Indonesia ($2.4B), Portugal ($1.8B) and Germany ($1.4B) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 35% share of global exports. China, Brazil, Slovakia, Poland, Sweden, Canada, Thailand, Italy, France and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 39%.

Among the main exporting countries, India, with a CAGR of +9.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

In 2022, paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets (5.4M tons) and graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls (4.7M tons) represented the main types of uncoated wood free printing and writing papersacross the globe, together recording near 74% of total exports. Paper & paperboard; uncoated, writing, printing, graphic, non-perforated punch-cards, punch tape paper, 0-10% wgt mechanical/chemi-mechanical process fibre, except paper of heading no. 4801 or 4803, rolls or sheets, weight between 40-150g/m2 (inclusive) (2.5M tons) held a 19% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by uncoated paper and paperboard, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or of which <= 10% by weight of the total fibre content consists of such fibres, weighing > 150 g/m² (5.1%).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exported products, was attained by uncoated paper and paperboard, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or of which <= 10% by weight of the total fibre content consists of such fibres, weighing > 150 g/m² (with a CAGR of +0.7%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of exported uncoated wood free printing and writing papers were paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($5.8B), graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls ($5.4B) and paper & paperboard; uncoated, writing, printing, graphic, non-perforated punch-cards, punch tape paper, 0-10% wgt mechanical/chemi-mechanical process fibre, except paper of heading no. 4801 or 4803, rolls or sheets, weight between 40-150g/m2 (inclusive) ($3.3B), together comprising 90% of global exports. Uncoated paper and paperboard, not containing fibres obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process or of which <= 10% by weight of the total fibre content consists of such fibres, weighing > 150 g/m², graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight under 40 g/m², handmade paper and paperboard and paper and paperboard; uncoated, of a kind used as a base for photo-sensitive, heat-sensitive or electro-sensitive paper or paperboard, in rolls or sheets lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 10%.

Among the main exported products, handmade paper and paperboard, with a CAGR of +3.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average export price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers amounted to $1,190 per ton, rising by 23% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was handmade paper and paperboard ($3,076 per ton), while the average price for exports of paper and paperboard; uncoated, for printing & writing, with no, or not more than 10% weight of all fibre got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, weight 40-150g/m2, one side not more than 435mm, other side not more than 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($1,065 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by handmade paper (+4.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average export price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers stood at $1,190 per ton in 2022, jumping by 23% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($1,642 per ton), while Indonesia ($815 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Slovakia (+2.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform