Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls in Colombia declined from 306 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 200 thousand tonnes in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered a 26% surge in consumer demand for toilet paper, but production and supply chain disruptions prevented this from translating into market growth, contributing to the overall contraction.

A recovery began in 2021, with the market reaching 223 thousand tonnes in 2022. This expansion was driven by substantial capacity investments from the four foreign firms that dominate the sector, who committed over $100 million to modernize and expand production facilities. The industry's shift toward sustainable fibers and certified plantations also shaped production practices during this period.

Market volume dipped to 217 thousand tonnes in 2023. Early 2024 data from Bogotá showed a 27% jump in household toilet paper consumption during the first quarter, linked to an increase in diarrheal cases, signaling a renewed rise in demand.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia ranked 19th globally in the production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets.

Top producers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 202.0 K t, marking a 16.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 17.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.3%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 305.0 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 24.2% that same year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of Colombia's production of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets also fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 234.0 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 21.8% decline compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 24.9%, averaging an annualized drop of 9.1%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 408.9 M $ US, with the largest increase of 31.2% that year. The most substantial decrease took place in 2019, when value fell by 26.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed notable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, shipments reached their lowest point at 3 796 t, but rebounded sharply in 2020 to 7 744 t, representing a 104.0% increase year-over-year. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019 was twofold. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 25.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador accounted for 85.5% of Colombia's total exports in kind of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, while the remaining share was distributed among several smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced significant volatility. In 2019, exports hit their lowest level at 4 714 K $ US, but surged in 2020 to 8 970 K $ US, a 90.3% rise compared to the previous year. The gap between the 2020 peak and the 2019 trough was 1.9-fold. The most pronounced decline was recorded in 2019, with a 28.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Ecuador dominated Colombia's exports in value terms, representing 83.0% of total flows. The rest was divided among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020

Imports household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed irregular patterns, indicating a volatile market. In 2017, imports were at their lowest at 3 924 t, but peaked in 2019 at 13 733 t—a 3.5-fold increase. In 2020, imports totaled 5 744 t, a 58.2% drop from 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 117.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (24.0% of imports in kind), Venezuela (17.9%), and Turkey (14.3%) were the main sources for Colombia's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, together accounting for 56.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values also showed signs of volatility. In 2017, values were at their lowest, but peaked in 2019 at 20 790 K $ US—a 3.2-fold increase. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 260 K $ US, a sharp 55.5% decline from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 107.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil (33.1% of imports in value terms), Venezuela (13.8%), and the United States (11.7%) remained the primary markets for Colombia's imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, jointly representing 58.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020