Household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The market for household and sanitary paper in South Korea entered a growth phase from 2018, with volume rising from 604 тыс. т to 705 тыс. т by 2020. This expansion was driven by two key trends: the emergence of domestic specialty manufacturers in the tissue and sanitary paper segment, many of which had been growing since 2011, and a strong consumer shift toward eco-friendly, renewable cellulose fibers supported by government sustainability policies. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 sharply accelerated demand, as heightened public hygiene awareness and official prevention guidelines directly increased consumption of sanitary paper products.

Following the pandemic peak, market volume corrected to 660 тыс. т in 2021 and then stabilized at around 647 тыс. т in 2022. Despite this adjustment, the underlying market structure strengthened through continued investment by major domestic players in eco-friendly fiber product development and the expansion of production facilities. Government policies further promoting the use of sustainable and renewable materials, along with evolving labeling requirements, helped maintain a focus on green products even as overall demand normalized.

In 2023, the market regained momentum, with volume climbing to 679 тыс. т. This recovery indicates a return to growth without the extreme volatility seen during the pandemic, reflecting the market's adaptation to post-COVID conditions and the enduring influence of environmental preferences.

Production household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea ranked 15th 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

In 2020, South Korea produced 583.0 K t of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, marking a 4.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.6%, while 2019 saw no change.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in South Korea was valued at 1 216 M $ US, reflecting a moderate 5.5% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.2%, with a CAGR of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 340 M $ US, with a 12.6% increase that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the lowest value at 1 153 M $ US, accompanied by a 14.0% decline.

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

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

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, South Korea's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets declined in 2020. The country exported 14.5 K t that year, representing a substantial 20.5% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.6%, with a CAGR of 4.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 18.2 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 34.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (49.6% of exports in kind), Thailand (14.4%), and Japan (11.0%) remained the primary buyers of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets from South Korea, collectively accounting for 74.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, South Korea's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in value terms declined in 2020. Exports totaled 30.2 M $ US that year, a 20.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 37.8 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (50.0% of exports in value terms), Thailand (14.7%), and Japan (13.1%) were the main destinations for South Korea's exports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets, together making up 77.8% of total flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets into South Korea increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 136.7 K t, a 58.6% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 113.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 28.7%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 61.8 K t, which also saw a 3.6% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Indonesia dominated South Korea's import structure for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets in kind, holding an 82.8% share of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets into South Korea increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 155.2 M $ US, a 47.1% jump from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 111.9%, with a CAGR of 28.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia was the principal market for household and sanitary paper in wide rolls or large sheets imported into South Korea, accounting for 75.6% of total imports in value terms, with other destinations forming a less significant portion.

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

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