Coated Printing and Writing Paper Market

The global market for coated printing and writing paper is expected to see an increase in consumption and value from 2022 to 2030, with a projected CAGR of +1.8% for volume and +3.5% for value. In 2022, consumption declined to 27M tons, but China, the US, and Japan were the top consuming countries. Production and exports also saw fluctuations, with Germany, China, and Finland being the major exporters. Import prices surged by 30% in 2022, reaching $1,227 per ton. Italy had the highest export price, while Japan had the lowest.

Market Forecast

Driven by rising demand for coated printing and writing paper 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 +3.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $38.6B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, the amount of coated printing and writing papers consumed worldwide declined to 27M tons, falling by -9.7% on 2021. Overall, consumption saw a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the consumption volume increased by 2.2% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked at 41M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The value of the market for coated printing and writing papers worldwide reduced slightly to $29.3B in 2022, with a decrease of -2.7% 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). Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. Over the period under review, the global market attained the peak level at $43.7B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (4.9M tons), the United States (3.6M tons) and Japan (3.1M tons), together accounting for 44% of global consumption. Indonesia, Germany, France, the UK, Mexico, Thailand, India, Poland, Austria and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Austria (with a CAGR of +2.9%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($5.1B), the United States ($3.5B) and Japan ($2.4B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together accounting for 38% of the global market. Mexico, Indonesia, Germany, France, the UK, Thailand, Poland, India, Spain and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Austria, with a CAGR of +5.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2022, the highest levels of coated printing and writing paper per capita consumption was registered in Austria (55 kg per person), followed by Japan (25 kg per person), Germany (15 kg per person) and Poland (13 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of coated printing and writing paper was estimated at 3.4 kg per person.

In Austria, coated printing and writing paper per capita consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of per capita consumption growth: Japan (-5.2% per year) and Germany (-2.9% per year).

Production

World Production of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, global coated printing and writing paper production reduced to 27M tons, shrinking by -8.9% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, production saw a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 2.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global production reached the maximum volume at 42M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, coated printing and writing paper production shrank to $27.2B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production saw a noticeable shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 14%. Global production peaked at $41.9B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were China (6.5M tons), Japan (3.5M tons) and the United States (2.6M tons), together accounting for 47% of global production. Germany, Finland, Indonesia, Austria, South Korea, Italy, Belgium, Spain and Mexico lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 39%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +1.0%), while production for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the production figures.

Imports

World Imports of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

In 2022, global coated printing and writing paper imports shrank to 14M tons, falling by -5.3% on 2021 figures. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 4%. Global imports peaked at 22M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, coated printing and writing paper imports soared to $17.2B in 2022. Overall, imports showed a noticeable setback. Global imports peaked at $22.1B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports By Country

The United States (1.7M tons) and Germany (1.4M tons) were the key importers of coated printing and writing papers in 2022, finishing at near 12% and 10% of total imports, respectively. France (928K tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by the UK (704K tons). All these countries together held near 12% share of total imports. The following importers - Poland (545K tons), India (542K tons), Italy (493K tons), Belgium (491K tons), Spain (412K tons), Mexico (356K tons), Vietnam (316K tons), Canada (304K tons) and the Netherlands (302K tons) - together made up 27% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Vietnam (with a CAGR of +5.6%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($2.2B), Germany ($1.7B) and France ($1.2B) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 29% share of global imports. The UK, Poland, India, Belgium, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands and Vietnam lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 32%.

Among the main importing countries, India, with a CAGR of +8.3%, saw the highest growth rate of 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

In 2022, paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets (4.2M tons), paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets (3.7M tons), paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls (3.2M tons) and paper and paperboard (2.4M tons) was the main type of coated printing and writing papers in the world, constituting 97% of total import. Carbon paper, self copy paper and the like (coated, impregnated for duplicator stencils, offset plates), (whether or not printed), rolls over 36cm wide, rectangular sheets with one unfolded side exceeding 36cm (370K tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main imported products, was attained by paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets (with a CAGR of -0.9%), while imports for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of imported coated printing and writing papers were paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($5.3B), paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets ($4.3B) and paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls ($4.2B), with a combined 80% share of global imports.

Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets, with a CAGR of +0.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices By Type

The average import price for coated printing and writing papers stood at $1,227 per ton in 2022, surging by 30% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. 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 carbon paper, self copy paper and the like (coated, impregnated for duplicator stencils, offset plates), (whether or not printed), rolls over 36cm wide, rectangular sheets with one unfolded side exceeding 36cm ($2,200 per ton), while the price for paper and paperboard ($1,024 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; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got mechanical/chemi-mechanical process,sheets, sides 435mm or less by 297mm or less, unfolded, (+4.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average import price for coated printing and writing papers stood at $1,227 per ton in 2022, with an increase of 30% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Mexico ($1,551 per ton) and Canada ($1,534 per ton), while Vietnam ($1,049 per ton) and Italy ($1,121 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+4.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

Global coated printing and writing paper exports contracted to 14M tons in 2022, which is down by -3.8% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports recorded a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 4.9% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 22M tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, coated printing and writing paper exports soared to $16.7B in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a pronounced downturn. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at $21.3B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports By Country

The shipments of the three major exporters of coated printing and writing papers, namely Germany, China and Finland, represented more than third of total export. South Korea (1,039K tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with a 7.3% share, followed by Belgium (7.1%), Austria (6.8%), Italy (6%) and the United States (5.2%). The following exporters - Japan (472K tons), Spain (455K tons), Brazil (403K tons), Canada (349K tons) and Indonesia (272K tons) - together made up 14% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +3.3%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest coated printing and writing paper supplying countries worldwide were Germany ($2.9B), China ($2.1B) and Finland ($1.8B), with a combined 41% share of global exports. Italy, Austria, Belgium, South Korea, the United States, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Canada and Indonesia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 46%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Brazil, with a CAGR of +3.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to 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

The exports of the four major types of coated printing and writing papers, namely paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets, paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets, paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls and paper and paperboard, represented more than two-thirds of total export. Carbon paper, self copy paper and the like (coated, impregnated for duplicator stencils, offset plates), (whether or not printed), rolls over 36cm wide, rectangular sheets with one unfolded side exceeding 36cm (487K tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets (with a CAGR of -0.5%), while shipments for the other products experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got by mechanical/chemi-mechanical process, sides exceeding 435mm and 297mm, unfolded, sheets ($4.7B), paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets ($4.4B) and paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing & writing, graphics, containing no, or not more than 10% by weight of total fibres obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process, in rolls ($4B) appeared to be the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 78% of global exports.

Paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, in rolls or sheets, with a CAGR of +0.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average export price for coated printing and writing papers amounted to $1,177 per ton, jumping by 27% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. As a result, the export 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 exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was paper and paperboard; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got mechanical/chemi-mechanical process,sheets, sides 435mm or less by 297mm or less, unfolded, ($2,153 per ton), while the average price for exports of paper and paperboard ($1,016 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; coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances, for printing/writing/graphics, having 10% or less by weight of total fibres got mechanical/chemi-mechanical process,sheets, sides 435mm or less by 297mm or less, unfolded, (+4.4%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average export price for coated printing and writing papers stood at $1,177 per ton in 2022, increasing by 27% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. As a result, the export price reached 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 Italy ($1,455 per ton), while Japan ($930 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+4.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform