China: Recovered Paper Market 2025

Recovered Paper Market Size in China

For the third year in a row, the Chinese recovered paper market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -3.1% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Recovered paper consumption peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Recovered Paper Production in China

In value terms, recovered paper production shrank slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -0.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 39%. Recovered paper production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Recovered Paper Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, approx. X tons of recovered paper were exported from China; jumping by 36% against the previous year. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 101% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, recovered paper exports rose significantly to $X in 2022. In general, total exports indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +10.2% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 70%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for recovered paper exports from China, with a 39% share of total exports. Moreover, recovered paper exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Canada (X tons), sevenfold. Slovenia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States amounted to +52.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (-6.4% per year) and Slovenia (+147.6% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for recovered paper exports from China, comprising 25% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Canada ($X), with a 6% share of total exports. It was followed by Slovenia, with a 4.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States stood at +43.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (-7.2% per year) and Slovenia (+133.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average recovered paper export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -21.4% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, recovered paper export price increased by +43.2% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 88%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2021, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Kazakhstan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Saudi Arabia (+25.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Recovered Paper Imports

Imports into China

After six years of decline, overseas purchases of recovered paper increased by 6.6% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a significant decline. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, recovered paper imports reached $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, saw a precipitous decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 18%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from No country was relatively modest.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from No country was relatively modest.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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