Western Africa: Market for Printing and Writing Paper 2025

Market Size for Printing and Writing Paper in Western Africa

For the sixth consecutive year, the West African printing and writing paper market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 23% to $X in 2021. The total consumption indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +65.8% against 2015 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Production of Printing and Writing Paper in Western Africa

In value terms, printing and writing paper production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a sharp reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 12,730,600%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Printing and Writing Paper

Exports in Western Africa

In 2022, overseas shipments of printing and writing paper decreased by -15.4% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 68% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then dropped dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, printing and writing paper exports reduced remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, exports recorded a perceptible decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 50% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Ghana dominates exports structure, recording X tons, which was near 85% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Sierra Leone (X tons), achieving a 4.9% share of total exports. Nigeria (X tons), Togo (X tons) and Senegal (X tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

Ghana was also the fastest-growing in terms of the printing and writing paper exports, with a CAGR of +11.3% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Sierra Leone (+3.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Togo (-3.7%), Nigeria (-8.0%) and Senegal (-9.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Ghana (+54 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Senegal and Nigeria saw its share reduced by -3% and -4.4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Ghana ($X) remains the largest printing and writing paper supplier in Western Africa, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Sierra Leone ($X), with an 8.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Nigeria, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Ghana amounted to +1.4%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Sierra Leone (+4.0% per year) and Nigeria (-10.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a pronounced curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 11%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Sierra Leone ($X per ton), while Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Togo (+1.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Printing and Writing Paper

Imports in Western Africa

In 2022, purchases abroad of printing and writing paper increased by 37% to X tons, rising for the sixth year in a row after three years of decline. In general, imports showed a prominent increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, printing and writing paper imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted buoyant growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Nigeria dominates imports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 82% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Ghana (X tons) and Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), together achieving a 12% share of total imports.

Nigeria was also the fastest-growing in terms of the printing and writing paper imports, with a CAGR of +9.9% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Cote d'Ivoire (+7.9%) and Ghana (+5.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Nigeria (+9.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Ghana saw its share reduced by -2.5% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported printing and writing paper in Western Africa, comprising 86% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ghana ($X), with a 5.5% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Nigeria amounted to +11.1%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ghana (+2.9% per year) and Cote d'Ivoire (+5.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($X per ton), while Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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