Kenya: Recovered Paper Market 2025

Recovered Paper Market Size in Kenya

The Kenyan recovered paper market fell modestly to $X in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +3.9% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Recovered Paper Production in Kenya

In value terms, recovered paper production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Recovered paper production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Recovered Paper Exports

Exports from Kenya

In 2022, shipments abroad of recovered paper decreased by -33.1% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports faced a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 142% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, recovered paper exports reduced rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 217% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Uganda (X tons), Pakistan (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) were the main destinations of recovered paper exports from Kenya, with a combined 80% share of total exports. India, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Rwanda (with a CAGR of +52.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Uganda ($X), Tanzania ($X) and India ($X) were the largest markets for recovered paper exported from Kenya worldwide, together accounting for 70% of total exports. Pakistan, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

Rwanda, with a CAGR of +35.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average recovered paper export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -1.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a mild reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 31% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Rwanda ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Pakistan ($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 India (+2.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Recovered Paper Imports

Imports into Kenya

In 2022, approx. X tons of recovered paper were imported into Kenya; waning by -22.2% on the year before. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a noticeable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 530%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2021, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, recovered paper imports contracted dramatically to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 216%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), the UK (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the main suppliers of recovered paper imports to Kenya, together accounting for 70% of total imports. The United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Canada, Uganda, Italy, South Africa and India lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Africa (with a CAGR of +67.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the UK ($X), the United States ($X) and Brazil ($X) constituted the largest recovered paper suppliers to Kenya, together comprising 72% of total imports. Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, South Africa, Canada, India and Tanzania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 23%.

South Africa, with a CAGR of +52.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average recovered paper import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average import price increased by 47%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Uganda ($X per ton), while the price for Tanzania ($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 UK (+2.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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