Newsprint market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, ASEAN newsprint production fell from 870 thousand tons to 816 thousand tons, while market volume initially dropped then rose to 963 thousand tons in 2020. This fluctuation occurred as digital transformation began affecting traditional media, though sustained demand in developing countries within the region supported consumption. Concurrently, increasing global wood pulp prices raised production costs, putting pressure on manufacturers.

The market decline accelerated between 2021 and 2022, with production dropping to 726 thousand tons and market volume contracting to 705 thousand tons. Trade tensions and tariffs, particularly those affecting imported newsprint, increased costs and disrupted supply. Furthermore, a 15% surge in wood pulp prices squeezed margins, while environmental regulations pushed the industry toward more sustainable, recycled fiber-based production, necessitating operational adjustments.

By 2023, the market showed signs of stabilization, with production holding at 726 thousand tons and market volume edging up to 744 thousand tons. Technological advancements in production efficiency and the growing use of newsprint for e-commerce packaging helped counterbalance the ongoing secular decline from digital media. Continued focus on sustainable products with higher recycled content also shaped industry developments during this period.

Production newsprint in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of newsprint, 2017-2020

World map of production of newsprint, 2017-2020

Newsprint production in ASEAN has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 815.5 K t of newsprint, which is 3.9% less than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 1.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 869.9 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 0.8% also occurring that year.

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

Exports newsprint from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

Newsprint exports from ASEAN have dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 37.6 K t, marking a sharp decline of 72.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 81%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 42.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ASEAN's newsprint exports reached a wide range of markets. India accounted for 25.9% of exports in volume, Hong Kong for 6.2%, and China for 5.3%. Together, these three destinations made up only 37.4% of total exports, with the remaining 62.6% going to numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Newsprint exports from ASEAN have fallen for the second year running. In 2020, export value totaled 33.1 M $ US, showing a sharp contraction of 60.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 71.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -34.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 127.5 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 10.5% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, ASEAN's newsprint exports in value terms were distributed across a broad set of markets. India represented 24.7% of export value, Hong Kong 6.4%, and China 4.7%. Combined, these three markets accounted for just 35.9% of total exports, while the remaining 64.1% went to many smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports newsprint to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, newsprint imports into ASEAN increased in 2020. Imports reached 185.3 K t, up by 4.9% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 38.9%, with a CAGR of -15.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 176.6 K t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 26.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, newsprint imports into ASEAN in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. South Korea accounted for 17.8% of imports, Canada for 9.1%, and France for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 35.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Newsprint imports into ASEAN have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 102.4 M $ US, down by 24.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 44.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for newsprint imports into ASEAN in value terms was quite broad. South Korea accounted for 18.0% of import value, Canada for 9.7%, and France for 8.8%. Combined, these three countries made up only 36.6% of total import flows.

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

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