India: Market for Printing and Writing Paper 2025

Market Size for Printing and Writing Paper in India

In 2021, the Indian printing and writing paper market was finally on the rise to reach $X after three years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Printing and Writing Paper in India

In value terms, printing and writing paper production expanded significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Printing and Writing Paper

Exports from India

In 2022, approx. X tons of printing and writing paper were exported from India; reducing by -4.4% compared with 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 41%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

In value terms, printing and writing paper exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 56%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for printing and writing paper exports from India, with a 22% share of total exports. Moreover, printing and writing paper exports to the United Arab Emirates exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kenya (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Nigeria (X tons), with a 7.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United Arab Emirates amounted to +22.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kenya (+7.3% per year) and Nigeria (-0.2% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for printing and writing paper exports from India, comprising 20% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with an 8.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Kenya, with an 8.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United Arab Emirates stood at +22.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+19.8% per year) and Kenya (+8.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average printing and writing paper export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 32% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to the United States ($X per ton) and South Africa ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) and Algeria ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Algeria (+3.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Printing and Writing Paper

Imports into India

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in supplies from abroad of printing and writing paper, when their volume increased by 24% to X tons. In general, imports recorded a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 50%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, printing and writing paper imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +78.0% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main suppliers of printing and writing paper imports to India, together accounting for 56% of total imports. Japan, the United States, Finland, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 36%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Singapore (with a CAGR of +39.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X), Indonesia ($X) and South Korea ($X) were the largest printing and writing paper suppliers to India, with a combined 56% share of total imports. Japan, Finland, the United States, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.

Singapore, with a CAGR of +37.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average printing and writing paper import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 32% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a mild shrinkage. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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