Newsprint market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The newsprint market in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted sharply from 892 thousand tons in 2018 to 495 thousand tons in 2020. This decline was driven by the ongoing shift toward digital media, which reduced demand for printed newspapers and publications across the region.

A modest recovery occurred in 2021 and 2022, with market volume rising to 515 thousand tons. This uptick was supported by a rebound in paper and paperboard imports, which grew by 7.4% in 2021, reflecting renewed demand after periods of decline. In 2022, increased demand for printing presses and higher import prices for uncoated wood-free paper contributed to temporary market expansion. However, by 2023, volume fell again to 442 thousand tons as digital substitution continued to outweigh persistent newsprint consumption in areas with limited digital access.

In 2024, paper and paperboard imports into the region increased by 5.7%, while the export price for newsprint decreased by 6.2%. Production of printing presses remained stable, indicating sustained traditional printing activity that supports some newsprint use despite the overarching digital transition.

Production newsprint in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of newsprint, 2017-2020

World map of production of newsprint, 2017-2020

Newsprint production in Latin America and the Caribbean has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 296.8 thousand tonnes of newsprint, marking a 23.6% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 38.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Newsprint production in Latin America and the Caribbean decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 149.3 million US dollars, representing a 33.4% contraction from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production declined by 46.3%, averaging an 18.7% annualized rate. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 317.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year reaching 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports newsprint from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Newsprint exports from Latin America and the Caribbean fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 53.2 thousand tonnes, a 23.0% decrease year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 17%, averaging a 6.0% annualized decline. The peak was in 2018 at 88.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 38.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for newsprint from Latin America and the Caribbean was diverse. India accounted for 10.3% of exports in kind, China for 7.6%, and Turkey for 2.1%, together making up only 20.0% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported newsprint volumes from Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 26.7 million US dollars worth of newsprint, a sharp 32.9% reduction year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 27.7%, averaging a 10.3% annualized rate. The maximum value was in 2018 at 59.3 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 60.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. India contributed 9.3% of exports in value, China 5.5%, and South Africa 1.6%, together accounting for just 16.5% of total flows. The remaining 83.5% went to various other partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports newsprint to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Newsprint imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 251.2 thousand tonnes, a steep 42.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 57.7%, averaging a 24.9% annualized decline.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the largest supplier of newsprint to Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 52.2% of imports in kind, followed by the United States at 25.6% and Russia at 4.9%. Together, these three countries formed 82.7% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Newsprint imports into Latin America and the Caribbean dropped for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 137.5 million US dollars, a sudden 51.5% reduction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 59.8%, averaging a 26.2% annualized rate.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, the United States, and Russia consistently remained the top sources for newsprint imports in value terms. Canada accounted for 51.8% of imports, the United States for 25.6%, and Russia for 4.8%, together making up 82.2% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020