European Union's Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Paper Market to Reach 6.5M tons and $9.4B by 2035 - News and Statistics - IndexBox

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IndexBox has just published a new report: EU - Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.

The market for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper in the European Union is set to experience growth, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.3% in volume and +2.6% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 6.5M tons, while the market value is expected to reach $9.4B in nominal prices.

Driven by rising demand for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper in the European Union, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 6.5M tons by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $9.4B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

In 2024, consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers increased by 9% to 5.6M tons for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a noticeable decrease. Over the period under review, consumption of attained the peak volume at 8.7M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The revenue of the market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in the European Union surged to $7.1B in 2024, with an increase of 22% 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). In general, consumption, however, saw a mild slump. The level of consumption peaked at $9.7B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2024 were Germany (1.3M tons), Italy (770K tons) and France (519K tons), together accounting for 46% of total consumption. Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Portugal and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 41%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Austria (with a CAGR of +9.2%), while papers for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($1.5B), France ($917M) and Italy ($898M) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, together comprising 47% of the total market. The Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Finland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 39%.

Austria, with a CAGR of +9.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size among the main consuming countries over the period under review, while papers for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, the highest levels of per capita consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers was registered in Finland (87 kg per person), followed by the Netherlands (23 kg per person), Belgium (21 kg per person) and Portugal (20 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing paper was estimated at 13 kg per person.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the per capita consumption of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in Finland amounted to +6.5%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: the Netherlands (+1.0% per year) and Belgium (-0.9% per year).

In 2024, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers increased by 11% to 7.1M tons for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a perceptible contraction. Over the period under review, production of reached the peak volume at 10M tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers surged to $9B in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a noticeable slump. Over the period under review, production of reached the peak level at $11.8B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were Portugal (1.3M tons), Germany (1.1M tons) and Finland (723K tons), together accounting for 45% of total production. Italy, Slovakia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, France and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 47%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of +5.0%), while papers for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the production figures.

In 2024, supplies from abroad of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers decreased by -19.1% to 2.9M tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports recorded a pronounced contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 5.2%. The volume of import peaked at 5M tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers fell markedly to $4B in 2024. Over the period under review, imports showed a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $5.8B. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of imports of remained at a lower figure.

In 2024, Germany (601K tons), distantly followed by France (371K tons), Italy (313K tons), Belgium (273K tons), Spain (226K tons), Poland (174K tons) and the Netherlands (164K tons) represented the largest importers of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, together generating 74% of total imports. The Czech Republic (109K tons), Romania (100K tons) and Greece (89K tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Greece (with a CAGR of +0.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Germany ($770M), France ($521M) and Italy ($391M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2024, with a combined 42% share of total imports. Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 39%.

Greece, with a CAGR of +1.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

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 (1.2M tons) and graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls (0.9M tons) represented roughly 72% of total imports in 2024. 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) (542K tons) took a 19% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, 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 (6.4%).

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main imported products, was attained 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) (with a CAGR of -3.3%), while imports 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 ($1.5B), graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls ($1.1B) 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) ($868M), with a combined 87% share of total imports. 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, 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 and handmade paper and paperboard lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

Handmade paper and paperboard, with a CAGR of -0.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In 2024, the import price in the European Union amounted to $1,375 per ton, declining by -4% against the previous year. Over the last eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when the import price increased by 25% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $1,431 per ton in 2023, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2024, 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 ($4,163 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 ($1,199 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, 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 (+7.7%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The import price in the European Union stood at $1,375 per ton in 2024, with a decrease of -4% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $1,431 per ton in 2023, and then shrank in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($1,715 per ton), while Romania ($1,114 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+2.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

For the third consecutive year, the European Union recorded decline in shipments abroad of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, which decreased by -9.2% to 4.3M tons in 2024. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 9.4%. The volume of export peaked at 7.6M tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers declined to $6B in 2024. In general, exports showed a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the peak figure at $8.4B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Portugal was the main exporter of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in the European Union, with the volume of exports accounting for 1.2M tons, which was approx. 28% of total exports in 2024. It was distantly followed by Germany (461K tons), Slovakia (412K tons), Sweden (332K tons), Poland (295K tons), Finland (253K tons), Italy (252K tons), Spain (251K tons) and France (220K tons), together mixing up a 58% share of total exports.

Exports from Portugal decreased at an average annual rate of -1.9% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, Italy (+3.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Italy emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the European Union, with a CAGR of +3.0% from 2013-2024. Spain experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Slovakia (-2.6%), France (-5.5%), Poland (-5.6%), Germany (-6.9%), Sweden (-9.0%) and Finland (-12.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2013 to 2024, the share of Portugal, Italy, Slovakia and Spain increased by +8.2, +3.5, +2.3 and +2.2 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Portugal ($1.4B), Germany ($952M) and Slovakia ($440M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2024, together accounting for 46% of total exports. Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Poland and Finland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 37%.

Italy, with a CAGR of +1.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In 2024, 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 (1.5M tons) and graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls (1.5M tons) represented the major types of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in the European Union, together resulting at near 72% 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) (807K 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 (6.8%). Graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight under 40 g/m² (98K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight under 40 g/m² (with a CAGR of +1.8%), while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight 40-150 g/m2 in rolls ($2B), 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 ($1.9B) 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) ($1.4B) were the products with the highest levels of exports in 2024, with a combined 87% share of total 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, 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 and handmade paper and paperboard lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 13%.

In terms of the main exported products, graphic paper with mechanical fibre content under 10% and of weight under 40 g/m², with a CAGR of +6.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In 2024, the export price in the European Union amounted to $1,404 per ton, declining by -3.5% against the previous year. Export price indicated a moderate expansion from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, export price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers increased by +39.7% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 31%. The level of export peaked at $1,456 per ton in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was handmade paper and paperboard ($3,582 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 ($1,226 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by handmade paper (+6.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, the export price in the European Union amounted to $1,404 per ton, shrinking by -3.5% against the previous year. Export price indicated notable growth from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, export price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers increased by +39.7% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the export price increased by 31%. The level of export peaked at $1,456 per ton in 2023, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($2,067 per ton), while Slovakia ($1,069 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+3.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper in the EU. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

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