Newsprint market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Norwegian newsprint market expanded from 523 thousand tons to 595 thousand tons. In 2018, industry sources highlighted a structural shift, including a reported 25% decline in publications distributed through Bladcentralen over recent years, increasing pressure on traditional print demand, coupled with a growing requirement to publish content across all digital platforms. Despite these headwinds, production and imports rose in 2019, driving overall market volume higher.

The market contracted sharply to 446 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery followed, reaching 493 thousand tons in 2021 and 514 thousand tons in 2022. During this period, factors such as a rising share of the population, particularly those under 24, abandoning traditional news platforms, and accelerated industry digitalization continued to shape demand. By 2023, the market stabilized at 514 thousand tons, supported by improved consumer confidence and ongoing trends favoring sustainability and digital transformation within the sector.

In 2024, Lauvverket's investment in a new production facility with modern equipment signaled continued capital commitment to production capacity. For 2025, planned regulatory changes affecting the financial sector, alongside the increased adoption of AI and digital tools in marketing and production, are noted as relevant industry developments.

Production newsprint in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Norway was one of the world's leading producers of newsprint from 2018 to 2021, ranking 12th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of newsprint, 2018-2021

World map of production of newsprint, 2018-2021

In 2021, Norway produced 471 K t of newsprint, marking a 12.7% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 3.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%. Production peaked in 2019 at 563 K t, then dropped to its lowest point in 2020 at 418 K t. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 with a 15.4% rise, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 with a 25.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports newsprint from Norway

Market data shows that Norway did not export any newsprint between 2018 and 2021.

Imports newsprint to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Imports of newsprint into Norway fell for the third year in a row in 2021, totaling 22 318 t. This represents a substantial 20.6% decrease compared to 2020. Over the entire period from 2018 to 2021, imports declined by 36.5%, averaging an annual reduction of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Norway's newsprint import sources were highly concentrated, with Sweden accounting for 99.4% of all imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's newsprint import value also declined for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 12 084 K $ US. This was a significant 17.8% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, the total import value decreased by 39.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In terms of value from 2018 to 2021, Norway's newsprint imports were similarly concentrated, with Sweden responsible for 99.2% of the total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021