Newsprint market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the newsprint market volume in Northern Africa increased from 177.5 thousand tons to 186.9 thousand tons. A sharp contraction followed, with the market falling to 128.4 thousand tons in 2020 and further declining to 85.7 thousand tons in 2022. A significant 63% rise in newsprint prices between January 2022 and January 2023 raised production and distribution costs, contributing to lower consumption.

In 2023, the market rebounded to 105.5 thousand tons, supported by moderate sales growth among major producers and the growing role of marketing campaigns and influencers in shaping consumer preferences. By 2024, margin pressure persisted due to high energy and raw material costs, while some producers began diversifying into packaging board in response to the ongoing decline in newsprint demand.

Production newsprint in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of newsprint, 2017-2020

World map of production of newsprint, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 2 000 tonnes of newsprint, showing minimal year-over-year variation. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports newsprint from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 79.1%. They peaked in 2017, showing a 4.8-fold fluctuation overall. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase at 230.1%. By 2020, newsprint deliveries from Northern Africa were recorded at 0.2 thousand tonnes, marking a steep reduction of 26.4% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, Turkey, and Iraq were the main markets for exports in kind, accounting for 27.0%, 17.9%, and 16.4% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 61.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their minimum value in 2018 at 0.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 67.7%. They peaked in 2019 at 0.2 million US dollars, showing the largest increase at 329.3% and a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.3 times from 2019 to 2018. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 0.1 million US dollars of newsprint, reflecting a dramatic contraction of 35.4% compared to 2019.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Kenya, Mauritania, and Iraq were the main destinations for exports in value terms, absorbing 21.4%, 17.5%, and 14.5% of exports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 53.3% of total newsprint exports from Northern Africa.

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

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

Imports newsprint to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Northern Africa imported a total of newsprint equivalent to a steep decrease of 31.6% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.5%.

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

Analysis of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Sweden, Russia, and Canada accounted for 17.5%, 14.8%, and 12.8% of imports, respectively, together making up 45.1% of total flows. The remaining 54.9% was distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Northern Africa's newsprint imports declined. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 113.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 9.6%. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 65.1 million US dollars, constituting a drop of 42.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 35.6%, with a CAGR of 13.6%.

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

Data for 2017–2020 indicate that imports in value terms of newsprint to Northern Africa were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Sweden, Russia, and Canada accounted for 16.8%, 14.5%, and 13.2% of imports, respectively, jointly representing only 44.5% of total flows.

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

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