Western Africa: Market for Coated Printing and Writing Papers 2025

Exports of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of coated printing and writing papers were exported in Western Africa; waning by -6.5% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 41% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, coated printing and writing paper exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 91%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Sierra Leone (X tons) represented the major exporter of coated printing and writing papers, mixing up 40% of total exports. Senegal (X tons) held a 13% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Togo (12%), Nigeria (9.8%), Cote d'Ivoire (8.8%) and Mauritania (4.9%). Ghana (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Sierra Leone increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Mauritania (+63.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mauritania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +63.4% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Togo (-1.2%), Nigeria (-2.7%), Cote d'Ivoire (-5.3%), Senegal (-10.8%) and Ghana (-20.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Sierra Leone (+24 p.p.), Mauritania (+4.9 p.p.), Togo (+3.7 p.p.) and Nigeria (+2.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Senegal and Ghana saw its share reduced by -9% and -14.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Sierra Leone ($X) remains the largest coated printing and writing paper supplier in Western Africa, comprising 47% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Senegal ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Togo, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Sierra Leone amounted to +4.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Senegal (-11.1% per year) and Togo (+1.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 46% against the previous year. Export price indicated slight growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the export price increased by 49% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Togo ($X per ton), while Nigeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Togo (+2.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Coated Printing and Writing Papers

Imports in Western Africa

In 2021, supplies from abroad of coated printing and writing papers increased by 40% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. Total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +76.8% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, coated printing and writing paper imports surged to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +104.6% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Nigeria represented the key importer of coated printing and writing papers in Western Africa, with the volume of imports accounting for X tons, which was near 46% of total imports in 2021. Ghana (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Cote d'Ivoire (X tons). All these countries together took near 36% share of total imports. Senegal (X tons), Mali (X tons), Togo (X tons) and Burkina Faso (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Mali (with a CAGR of +16.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported coated printing and writing papers in Western Africa, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ghana ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by Cote d'Ivoire, with a 13% share.

In Nigeria, coated printing and writing paper imports expanded at an average annual rate of +7.3% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Ghana (+11.4% per year) and Cote d'Ivoire (+7.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 12% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. 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.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton) and Togo ($X per ton), while Mali ($X per ton) and Burkina Faso ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (+0.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :