Stationery Product Market

The global stationery product market is projected to decline in both volume and value over the next eight years. Countries such as the United States, China, and India are major consumers and producers of stationery products. Import and export trends reveal a decrease in imports and an increase in exports, with key products including registers, account books, envelopes, and paper binders. Average import and export prices have shown steady growth over the years.

Market Forecast

Depressed by shrinking demand for stationery product worldwide, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next eight years. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -0.4% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to depress the market volume to 23M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of +1.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $73.6B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Stationery product

Global stationery product consumption amounted to 24M tons in 2022, remaining constant against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a noticeable setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the consumption volume increased by 3.3% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked at 30M tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The global stationery product market size totaled $65.6B in 2022, approximately reflecting 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, recorded a perceptible decrease. Over the period under review, the global market attained the peak level at $86.8B in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were the United States (5.5M tons), China (4.8M tons) and India (2M tons), with a combined 51% share of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +7.6%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the consumption figures.

In value terms, China ($15.3B), the United States ($11.1B) and Japan ($5.6B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, with a combined 49% share of the global market.

Among the main consuming countries, the United States, with a CAGR of +5.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced mixed trends in the market figures.

The countries with the highest levels of stationery product per capita consumption in 2022 were Finland (92 kg per person), Sweden (77 kg per person) and the United States (17 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +6.9%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the per capita consumption figures.

Production

World Production of Stationery product

In 2022, approx. 24M tons of stationery products were produced worldwide; almost unchanged from the previous year's figure. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 3.5%. Global production peaked at 30M tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, stationery product production totaled $61B in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 3.2%. Global production peaked at $86.2B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were the United States (5.4M tons), China (5.4M tons) and India (2.1M tons), together accounting for 53% of global production.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by the United States (with a CAGR of +7.9%), while production for the other global leaders experienced a decline in the production figures.

Imports

World Imports of Stationery product

In 2022, purchases abroad of stationery products increased by 7.6% to 1.9M tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Global imports peaked at 2.1M tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, stationery product imports amounted to $5.9B in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, global imports reached the maximum at $6B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (340K tons), distantly followed by Germany (129K tons), the UK (105K tons), France (98K tons) and Nigeria (98K tons) were the largest importers of stationery products, together creating 40% of total imports. Canada (65K tons), the Netherlands (62K tons), Pakistan (60K tons), China (59K tons), Japan (52K tons), Italy (50K tons), Spain (40K tons) and Poland (35K tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to stationery product imports into the United States stood at +2.2%. At the same time, Nigeria (+33.8%), Pakistan (+9.2%), Poland (+4.8%), China (+1.9%) and Germany (+1.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Nigeria emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the world, with a CAGR of +33.8% from 2012-2022. Spain, France, Canada and Italy experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Japan (-2.4%), the UK (-5.1%) and the Netherlands (-5.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Nigeria (+4.8 p.p.), the United States (+4.5 p.p.) and Pakistan (+1.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global imports, while the Netherlands and the UK saw its share reduced by -2.1% and -3% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United States ($1.2B) constitutes the largest market for imported stationery products worldwide, comprising 21% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($472M), with an 8% share of global imports. It was followed by the UK, with a 6.1% share.

In the United States, stationery product imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+2.0% per year) and the UK (-2.1% per year).

Imports By Type

In 2022, registers, account books, order books and receipt books (655K tons) was the key type of stationery products, mixing up 34% of total imports. It was distantly followed by envelopes (268K tons), paper binders, folders and file covers (264K tons), 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), 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) and blotting pads and book covers (127K tons), together constituting a 58% share of total imports. Handmade paper and paperboard (62K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to registers, account books, order books and receipt books imports of stood at +1.8%. At the same time, blotting pads and book covers (+4.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, blotting pads and book covers emerged as the fastest-growing type imported in the world, with a CAGR of +4.5% from 2012-2022. Uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, paper binders, folders and file covers (-1.2%), envelopes (-1.4%), 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%) and handmade paper and paperboard (-4.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of registers, account books, order books and receipt books (+7.2 p.p.) and blotting pads and book covers (+2.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of handmade paper and paperboard (-1.7 p.p.) 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 (-2.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other products remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, registers, account books, order books and receipt books ($2.7B) constitutes the largest type of stationery products imported worldwide, comprising 45% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by envelopes ($866M), with a 15% share of global imports. It was followed by paper binders, folders and file covers, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of registers, account books, order books and receipt books imports stood at +1.2%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: envelopes (+0.8% per year) and paper binders, folders and file covers (-1.8% per year).

Import Prices By Type

The average stationery product import price stood at $3,044 per ton in 2022, picking up by 4.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average import price increased by 5.2%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to see steady 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 letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards ($7,285 per ton), while the price for uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state ($1,271 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by plain postcard (+3.6%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average stationery product import price stood at $3,044 per ton in 2022, surging by 4.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. Global import price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

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 the Netherlands ($3,956 per ton), while Pakistan ($1,073 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+7.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Stationery product

In 2022, overseas shipments of stationery products increased by 9.5% to 2.1M tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. The global exports peaked at 2.1M tons in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, stationery product exports reached $6.3B in 2022. Overall, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

In 2022, China (645K tons) was the key exporter of stationery products, mixing up 31% of total exports. The United States (217K tons) held a 10% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Germany (8.6%), Mexico (6.1%) and India (5.3%). The following exporters - Indonesia (94K tons), Poland (90K tons), Sweden (54K tons), Vietnam (51K tons), France (49K tons), the Netherlands (39K tons) and Malaysia (32K tons) - together made up 19% of total exports.

China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of stationery products. At the same time, Poland (+7.5%), Mexico (+6.0%), Vietnam (+5.6%), the United States (+3.9%) and Sweden (+2.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Poland emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +7.5% from 2012-2022. India and Indonesia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Germany (-1.3%), France (-1.8%), the Netherlands (-2.0%) and Malaysia (-3.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United States (+3.4 p.p.), Mexico (+2.8 p.p.) and Poland (+2.2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the global exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($2.5B) remains the largest stationery product supplier worldwide, comprising 40% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($482M), with a 7.6% share of global exports. It was followed by Poland, with a 4.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in China amounted to +4.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Germany (-0.6% per year) and Poland (+11.0% per year).

Exports By Type

In 2022, registers, account books, order books and receipt books (744K tons) represented the largest type of stationery products, mixing up 37% of total exports. Envelopes (432K tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by paper binders, folders and file covers (211K tons), 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). All these products together held approx. 52% share of total exports. Blotting pads and book covers (60K tons), handmade paper and paperboard (52K tons) and boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums of paper (41K tons) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by envelopes (with a CAGR of +3.6%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, registers, account books, order books and receipt books ($3.1B) remains the largest type of stationery products supplied worldwide, comprising 49% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by envelopes ($939M), with a 15% share of global exports. It was followed by paper binders, folders and file covers, with a 10% share.

For registers, account books, order books and receipt books, exports expanded at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: envelopes (+1.7% per year) and paper binders, folders and file covers (-2.6% per year).

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average stationery product export price amounted to $3,009 per ton, picking up by 5% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 8.9%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $3,047 per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards ($7,392 per ton), while the average price for exports 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 ($1,302 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by stamp and photo collection album (+5.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average stationery product export price stood at $3,009 per ton in 2022, picking up by 5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 8.9%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $3,047 per ton; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($5,427 per ton), while the United States ($1,140 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+6.0%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform