Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers Market

The global market for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers is expected to grow with a projected CAGR of +1.8% in volume and +3.7% in value from 2022 to 2030. China leads in both consumption and production, while the United States dominates in imports. The market experienced fluctuating trends over the past decade, with varying growth rates in different countries. Overall, the market is anticipated to continue growing in the immediate future.

Market Forecast

Driven by rising demand for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers worldwide, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. 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 31M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $62.5B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

For the fifth consecutive year, the global market recorded decline in consumption of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers, which decreased by -2.3% to 27M tons in 2022. Overall, consumption saw a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the consumption volume increased by 0.5% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked at 32M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The size of the market for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers worldwide shrank modestly to $46.6B in 2022, waning by -2.4% against 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). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Global consumption peaked at $47.8B in 2021, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of consumption of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers was China (17M tons), comprising approx. 66% of total volume. Moreover, consumption of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (1.6M tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Germany (1.3M tons), with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-7.3% per year) and Germany (-2.6% per year).

In value terms, China ($38B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($1.3B). It was followed by Germany.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China totaled +4.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (-7.2% per year) and Germany (-2.9% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers per capita consumption in 2022 were Germany (16 kg per person), China (12 kg per person) and Spain (11 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of papers, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of -0.5%), while papers for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the per capita consumption figures.

Production

World Production of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, global production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers shrank slightly to 27M tons, waning by -2.9% compared with 2021. Overall, production saw a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 1.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production of hit record highs at 32M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers contracted slightly to $51.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +75.2% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production of reached the peak level at $52.8B in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers was China (17M tons), comprising approx. 64% of total volume. Moreover, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Germany (1.7M tons), tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Canada (1.5M tons), with a 5.7% share.

In China, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Germany (-1.6% per year) and Canada (-3.5% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Global imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers fell to 4.4M tons in 2022, with a decrease of -4.9% compared with 2021 figures. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 1.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports of hit record highs at 7.5M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers surged to $4.2B in 2022. Overall, imports saw a noticeable decrease. Over the period under review, global imports of reached the maximum at $6.3B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports By Country

The United States represented the key importing country with an import of around 1.2M tons, which accounted for 27% of total imports. Germany (403K tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by France (351K tons), Italy (247K tons) and the UK (238K tons). All these countries together took near 28% share of total imports. Sweden (197K tons), Belgium (183K tons), Poland (178K tons), Spain (135K tons), the Czech Republic (96K tons), China (93K tons), Turkey (75K tons) and South Africa (69K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into the United States decreased at an average annual rate of -5.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, China (+6.3%) and Sweden (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +6.3% from 2012-2022. The Czech Republic experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, France (-2.6%), Turkey (-2.7%), South Africa (-3.4%), Italy (-3.8%), Spain (-4.5%), Poland (-6.1%), Belgium (-6.7%), Germany (-7.4%) and the UK (-8.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Sweden (+2.4 p.p.) and France (+1.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while the UK and Germany saw its share reduced by -2.3% and -2.5% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United States ($1B) constitutes the largest market for imported uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers worldwide, comprising 24% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($388M), with a 9.2% share of global imports. It was followed by France, with an 8.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United States totaled -5.4%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-6.0% per year) and France (-0.8% per year).

Imports By Type

Paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls prevails in papers structure, finishing at 4M tons, which was approx. 90% of total imports in 2022. Uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (237K tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (224K tons). All these products together held approx. 10% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls imports of stood at -5.5%. Uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-2.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (+2.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls (-3.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($3.6B) constitutes the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers imported worldwide, comprising 85% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($356M), with an 8.4% share of global imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls imports stood at -4.4%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-1.3% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (+0.9% per year).

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average import price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers amounted to $959 per ton, surging by 31% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price reached 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 uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($1,586 per ton), while the price for paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($903 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (+1.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average import price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers amounted to $959 per ton, jumping by 31% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($1,276 per ton), while the UK ($840 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+2.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Global exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers declined to 5M tons in 2022, reducing by -7.7% on the previous year's figure. Overall, exports saw a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports of reached the maximum at 8.1M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers surged to $4.6B in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded a noticeable decline. The global exports peaked at $6.7B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports By Country

Canada (1.2M tons) and Sweden (1.2M tons) represented the key exporters of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in 2022, accounting for near 24% and 24% of total exports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Germany (762K tons), Norway (346K tons), Finland (310K tons) and Belgium (260K tons), together constituting a 34% share of total exports. The Netherlands (217K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +7.3%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Canada ($1.1B), Sweden ($1B) and Germany ($689M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 60% share of global exports. Norway, Finland, Belgium and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 20%.

Among the main exporting countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +5.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Exports By Type

Paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls prevails in papers structure, amounting to 4.6M tons, which was near 92% of total exports in 2022. The following types - uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (200K tons) and uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (196K tons) - each resulted at an 8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls exports of stood at -5.0%. Uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-5.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state increased by +1.7 percentage points. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($4B) remains the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers supplied worldwide, comprising 87% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($333M), with a 7.2% share of global exports.

For paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls, exports decreased by an average annual rate of -3.9% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-2.9% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (+1.5% per year).

Export Prices By Type

The average export price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers stood at $931 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, the export price attained 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 uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($1,697 per ton), while the average price for exports of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($880 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (+2.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average export price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers amounted to $931 per ton, increasing by 35% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Canada ($914 per ton) and Germany ($903 per ton), while the Netherlands ($676 per ton) and Finland ($803 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+1.8%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform