SADC: Market for Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers 2025

Market Size for Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers in SADC

In 2021, the SADC market for uncoated wood free printing and writing papers was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a mild shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers in SADC

In value terms, production of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers rose modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 46%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

Exports in SADC

In 2021, shipments abroad of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers was finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced downturn. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers soared to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a pronounced contraction. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the one major exporters of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers, namely South Africa, represented more than two-thirds of total export.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the uncoated wood free printing and writing papers exports, with a CAGR of -2.6% from 2012 to 2021. South Africa (+2.9 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, South Africa ($X) also remains the largest uncoated wood free printing and writing paper supplier in SADC.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa amounted to -4.3%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 2.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the export price increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for South Africa amounted to -1.8% per year.

Imports of Uncoated Wood Free Printing and Writing Papers

Imports in SADC

In 2021, approx. X tons of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers were imported in SADC; with an increase of 40% on 2020. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of import peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa was the major importing country with an import of around X tons, which reached 33% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Angola (X tons), Tanzania (X tons), Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons), Zambia (X tons), Zimbabwe (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons), together constituting a 55% share of total imports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers. At the same time, Democratic Republic of the Congo (+6.2%), Angola (+6.1%), Tanzania (+4.5%) and Zambia (+2.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +6.2% from 2012-2021. Zimbabwe and Mozambique experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Angola (+4.7 p.p.), Tanzania (+3 p.p.) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (+2.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of South Africa (-4.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported uncoated wood free printing and writing papers in SADC, comprising 35% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Angola ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Tanzania, with a 13% share.

In South Africa, imports of uncoated wood free printing and writing papers remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Angola (+3.6% per year) and Tanzania (+2.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 1.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a mild slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 10%. 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 country of destination: the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per ton), while Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mozambique (+3.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform