The global coated printing and writing paper market is expected to enter a period of moderate growth over the next decade, fueled by increasing global demand. According to forecasts, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +0.9% between 2024 and 2035, with total volume reaching 28 million tons by 2035. In value terms, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of +1.6%, reaching $33.2 billion by the end of the forecast period (in nominal wholesale prices).
Global Consumption Trends
In 2024, worldwide consumption of coated printing and writing paper grew by 11% to 25 million tons, reversing a two-year declining trend. Despite this recovery, overall consumption remains significantly lower compared to the peak of 40 million tons recorded in 2013. From 2014 to 2024, the sector experienced a steady downward trend.
Market value also rose, reaching $27.8 billion in 2024 — a 7.3% increase over the previous year. However, similar to volume, the market value remains below the 2013 peak of $37.5 billion.
Global Production Trends
Following two years of decline, global production of coated printing and writing paper rebounded strongly in 2024, rising by 8.3% to 25 million tons. However, production levels are still well below the 2013 high of 41 million tons.
In value terms, global production was estimated at $26.5 billion in 2024, showing a significant recovery from previous years, though still lower than the $39.7 billion recorded in 2013.
Top Producing Countries:
China: 6.5 million tons (26% of global production)
Japan: 3.2 million tons
United States: 2.1 million tons
Between 2013 and 2024, China’s production declined at an average annual rate of -1.5%, while Japan and the United States recorded steeper declines of -4.1% and -9.4%, respectively.
Global Imports
In 2024, global imports of coated printing and writing papers fell for the third consecutive year, dropping by 3.5% to 11 million tons. Import volumes peaked at 21 million tons in 2013 but have steadily declined since.
In value terms, imports fell to $12.8 billion in 2024, well below the 2013 peak of $20.9 billion.
Key Import Categories:
Paper and paperboard coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, low mechanical fiber content, in unfolded sheets
Paper and paperboard with higher mechanical fiber content for writing and printing (excluding lightweight paper)
Rolls of coated paper for printing and graphics purposes
These three categories together made up over two-thirds of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, paper with higher mechanical fiber content (excluding lightweight paper) showed the slowest decline, with a CAGR of -2.3%.
Global Exports
Global exports of coated printing and writing papers fell by 7.9% in 2024, the third year of decline, reaching 11 million tons — half of the 2013 peak (22 million tons).
Export value also contracted to $11.6 billion, compared to $20.7 billion in 2013.
Top Exporting Countries (by volume in 2024):
China: 2.1 million tons
Germany: 1.5 million tons
Finland: 1.3 million tons
Followed by South Korea, the U.S., Austria, Japan, Italy, Spain, and Brazil.
Brazil recorded the highest growth rate among the top exporters, with a CAGR of +1.9%.
Top Exporting Countries (by value in 2024):
China: $1.9 billion
Germany: $1.9 billion
Finland: $1.3 billion
Together, they accounted for 44% of total global exports.
Export Categories
The four main types of coated printing and writing papers exported were:
Rolls or sheets coated with kaolin and high mechanical fiber content
Rolls for printing and graphics with low mechanical fiber content
Unfolded sheets for printing and graphics with low mechanical fiber content
Paperboard and carbon/self-copy paper
These represented over two-thirds of total global exports. Among them, rolls or sheets with high mechanical fiber content had the smallest decline in export value (CAGR of -1.3%) compared to other categories.
Source: indexbox.io
