Belgium: Market for Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers 2024

Market Size for Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers in Belgium

In 2021, the Belgian market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers decreased by -5.3% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after four years of growth. In general, consumption showed a pronounced descent. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers in Belgium

In value terms, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -6.8% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 17%. Over the period under review, production of reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

Exports from Belgium

For the fourth consecutive year, Belgium recorded growth in shipments abroad of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, which increased by 4.9% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate perceptible growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 521% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, exports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers rose rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed measured growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 411%. Over the period under review, the exports of attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), France (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers from Belgium, together comprising 75% of total exports. The UK, Luxembourg, Spain and Ireland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Ireland (with a CAGR of +79.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X), Germany ($X) and the Netherlands ($X) were the largest markets for uncoated wood free printing and writing paper exported from Belgium worldwide, with a combined 68% share of total exports. The UK, Luxembourg, Spain and Ireland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 20%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Ireland, with a CAGR of +72.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average export price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 3.7% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a slight contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 9.1% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Luxembourg (-0.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in overseas purchases of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, when their volume decreased by -2.9% to X tons. Overall, imports saw a slight curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of reached the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers stood at $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Finland (X tons) constituted the largest uncoated wood free printing and writing paper supplier to Belgium, accounting for a 27% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers from Finland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by France (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Finland stood at +3.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (-8.7% per year) and France (-3.5% per year).

In value terms, the largest uncoated wood free printing and writing paper suppliers to Belgium were Finland ($X), Germany ($X) and France ($X), together comprising 48% of total imports. Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, the UK, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia and Poland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 45%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Canada, with a CAGR of +122.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers amounted to $X per ton, growing by 8% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 15%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the price for Canada ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+3.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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