MERCOSUR: Uncoated Felt Paper Market 2025

Uncoated Felt Paper Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the MERCOSUR uncoated felt paper market, when its value decreased by -13.2% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Uncoated Felt Paper Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, uncoated felt paper production expanded to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 18%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Uncoated Felt Paper Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, overseas shipments of uncoated felt paper and paperboard decreased by -15.7% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 185% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, uncoated felt paper exports fell markedly to $X in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 82%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) represented roughly 100% of total exports in 2022.

Argentina was also the fastest-growing in terms of the uncoated felt paper and paperboard exports, with a CAGR of +2.2% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of Argentina (+8.6 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) also remains the largest uncoated felt paper supplier in MERCOSUR.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Argentina stood at -8.4%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -31.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 44%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Argentina.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Argentina amounted to -10.4% per year.

Uncoated Felt Paper Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, supplies from abroad of uncoated felt paper and paperboard decreased by -30.7% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Total imports indicated a temperate increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 102% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, uncoated felt paper imports dropped significantly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 43%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Ecuador (X tons) represented the key importer of uncoated felt paper and paperboard, constituting 53% of total imports. Colombia (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Venezuela (X tons), Peru (X tons) and Brazil (X tons). All these countries together took near 45% share of total imports.

Imports into Ecuador increased at an average annual rate of +32.4% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Venezuela (+58.9%) and Colombia (+23.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Venezuela emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +58.9% from 2012-2022. Peru experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Brazil (-16.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Ecuador (+49 p.p.), Colombia (+16 p.p.) and Venezuela (+12 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Peru (-2.3 p.p.) and Brazil (-42.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Ecuador ($X), Venezuela ($X) and Peru ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together comprising 85% of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Venezuela, with a CAGR of +68.3%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 25%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Venezuela ($X per ton), while Colombia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Venezuela (+5.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform