Sri Lanka: Recovered Paper Market 2025

Recovered Paper Market Size in Sri Lanka

In 2022, the Sri Lankan recovered paper market decreased by -55.1% to $X for the first time since 2015, thus ending a six-year rising trend. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a strong expansion. Recovered paper consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

Recovered Paper Production in Sri Lanka

In value terms, recovered paper production shrank slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Recovered paper production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Recovered Paper Exports

Exports from Sri Lanka

In 2022, overseas shipments of recovered paper increased by 134% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, recovered paper exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports posted a buoyant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for recovered paper exports from Sri Lanka, accounting for a 99.9% share of total exports. It was followed by Pakistan (X tons), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to India stood at +1.7%.

In value terms, India ($X) remains the key foreign market for recovered paper exports from Sri Lanka, comprising 99.9% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Pakistan ($X), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to India totaled +6.3%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average recovered paper export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 11% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, recovered paper export price increased by +63.5% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Pakistan stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+4.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Recovered Paper Imports

Imports into Sri Lanka

In 2022, approx. X tons of recovered paper were imported into Sri Lanka; increasing by 38% compared with 2021. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 61%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, recovered paper imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate tangible growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Korea (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of recovered paper to Sri Lanka, accounting for a 57% share of total imports. Moreover, recovered paper imports from South Korea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), fourfold. South Africa (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from South Korea stood at +73.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+5.4% per year) and South Africa (+13.8% per year).

In value terms, South Korea ($X) constituted the largest supplier of recovered paper to Sri Lanka, comprising 65% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with a 9.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from South Korea amounted to +106.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (+25.4% per year) and the United States (+2.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average recovered paper import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 31% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, recovered paper import price increased by +132.3% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 67% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

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 Singapore ($X per ton), while the price for Australia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+19.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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