Latin America and the Caribbean: Market for Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers 2025

Market Size for Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers in Latin America and the Caribbean

After two years of decline, the Latin American market for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers increased by 22% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 75% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production of hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, overseas shipments of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers decreased by -1.6% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, exports showed a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 112%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 145% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) was the largest exporter of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers, making up 71% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Mexico (X tons), generating a 14% share of total exports. The following exporters - Chile (X tons), Argentina (X tons), Panama (X tons) and the Dominican Republic (X tons) - together made up 11% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers exports from Brazil stood at -5.4%. At the same time, the Dominican Republic (+37.2%) and Panama (+14.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Dominican Republic emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +37.2% from 2012-2021. Mexico experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Chile (-19.0%) and Argentina (-23.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+9 p.p.), Mexico (+7.2 p.p.), the Dominican Republic (+2.3 p.p.) and Panama (+2 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Chile (-7.8 p.p.) and Argentina (-14.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with a 3.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil totaled -9.4%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Mexico (-8.1% per year) and Chile (-17.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, falling by -8.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a pronounced decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the export price increased by 16%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in the Dominican Republic ($X per ton) and Panama ($X per ton), while Brazil ($X per ton) and Argentina ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+1.8%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, supplies from abroad of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a abrupt decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 18%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers reduced to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 17%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Mexico (X tons) represented the major importer of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers, committing 55% of total imports. Brazil (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with an 18% share, followed by Colombia (8%). Argentina (X tons), Peru (X tons), Honduras (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers imports into Mexico stood at -4.4%. At the same time, Ecuador (+20.8%) and Honduras (+17.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ecuador emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +20.8% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Colombia (-4.5%), Brazil (-14.4%), Peru (-19.2%) and Argentina (-23.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Mexico (+23 p.p.), Colombia (+3.3 p.p.), Honduras (+2 p.p.) and Ecuador (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Peru (-3.7 p.p.), Argentina (-9.9 p.p.) and Brazil (-9.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Colombia, with a 7.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Mexico totaled -6.6%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (-16.3% per year) and Colombia (-7.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -3.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a slight setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the import price increased by 2.1%. 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.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Honduras ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Honduras (+0.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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