ECOWAS: Market for Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers 2025

Exports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Exports in ECOWAS

In 2021, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in ECOWAS contracted modestly to X tons, declining by -4.7% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports recorded a significant decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 98%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers reduced to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a sharp slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 195% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Sierra Leone (X tons) represented the largest exporter of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers, committing 63% of total exports. Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) took an 18% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Ghana (11%). Togo (X tons), Nigeria (X tons) and Burkina Faso (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

Exports from Sierra Leone increased at an average annual rate of +8.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Burkina Faso (+56.2%), Togo (+50.1%), Ghana (+17.8%) and Cote d'Ivoire (+17.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Burkina Faso emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in ECOWAS, with a CAGR of +56.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Nigeria (-13.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Sierra Leone (+61 p.p.), Cote d'Ivoire (+18 p.p.), Ghana (+11 p.p.), Togo (+4 p.p.), Nigeria (+1.8 p.p.) and Burkina Faso (+1.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Sierra Leone ($X) remains the largest uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers supplier in ECOWAS, comprising 64% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ghana ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Cote d'Ivoire, with a 3.3% share.

In Sierra Leone, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers increased at an average annual rate of +10.6% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ghana (+8.5% per year) and Cote d'Ivoire (+7.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in ECOWAS stood at $X per ton in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 93% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Ghana ($X per ton), while Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Togo (+3.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Imports in ECOWAS

In 2021, purchases abroad of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a notable increase. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of import peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Nigeria was the key importer of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in ECOWAS, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 59% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Ghana (X tons), mixing up a 23% share of total imports. The following importers - Guinea (X tons), Niger (X tons), Burkina Faso (X tons), Sierra Leone (X tons), Cabo Verde (X tons) and Senegal (X tons) - together made up 12% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers imports into Nigeria stood at +9.9%. At the same time, Burkina Faso (+23.2%), Niger (+12.3%), Guinea (+12.2%), Sierra Leone (+7.1%) and Ghana (+3.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Burkina Faso emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in ECOWAS, with a CAGR of +23.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Cabo Verde (-2.4%) and Senegal (-7.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Nigeria (+25 p.p.) and Burkina Faso (+1.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Senegal saw its share reduced by -3% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in ECOWAS, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ghana ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Guinea, with a 4.7% share.

In Nigeria, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ghana (+1.3% per year) and Guinea (+6.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in ECOWAS amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -12.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 9.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Cabo Verde ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Cabo Verde (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform