Newsprint market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American newsprint market experienced a substantial contraction between 2018 and 2023, with total market volume falling from 545.2 thousand tons to 244.5 thousand tons. This decline of over 55% was primarily driven by the ongoing global shift from print to digital media, which significantly reduced demand for newsprint. The downturn affected all major market components, as domestic production more than halved and imports fell by over 60% across the period.

Following a steep drop in 2020, the market showed signs of stabilization, with volume hovering between 268.5 and 285.6 thousand tons in 2021 and 2022. A notable change in trade patterns occurred in 2021, when exports plummeted to 5.6 thousand tons, altering the supply balance before recovering in subsequent years. The market contracted again in 2023 to 244.5 thousand tons, continuing the overarching downward trend.

Recent developments highlight the industry's adaptation, as evidenced by major investment announcements in the Brazilian pulp and paper sector aimed at expanding operations and logistics infrastructure. Despite the overall market shrinkage, demand for newsprint persists in regions with limited internet access, underscoring the segment's continued relevance within a transforming media landscape.

Production newsprint in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of newsprint, 2017-2020

World map of production of newsprint, 2017-2020

South America's newsprint production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 211.7 K t of newsprint, marking a sharp 28.2% decline from 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 358.8 K t, with the largest annual increase that year at just 0.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 40.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's newsprint production value also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 91.7 M $ US, representing a sharp 40.5% drop from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 229.2 M $ US, with the largest annual increase that year at 22.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 51%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -21.2%.

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

Exports newsprint from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Newsprint exports from South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 55.7 K t, corresponding to a significant 24.2% drop from 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 91.4 K t, with the largest annual increase that year at 35.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 17.7%, with a CAGR of -6.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South America's newsprint export partners were quite diverse. Mexico accounted for 19.1% of exports in kind, India for 10.6%, and China for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.5% of total export flows, with the remaining 62.5% going to numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of newsprint exports from South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 24.1 M $ US, reflecting a 37.2% reduction year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 58.4 M $ US, with the largest annual increase that year at 65.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 31.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South America's newsprint export portfolio in value terms was quite broad. Mexico accounted for 18.0% of exports in value terms, India for 9.7%, and China for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 33.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports newsprint to South America

Imports in kind, K t

Newsprint imports to South America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 123.4 K t, showing a sharp 48.0% decline versus 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 61.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets dominated South America's newsprint imports in kind: Canada, the United States, and Russia together accounted for 78.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Newsprint imports to South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 64.1 M $ US, representing a sharp 57.9% fall compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 184.5 M $ US, with the largest annual increase that year at 4.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 63.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 28.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada accounted for 63.3% of South America's newsprint imports in value terms, the United States for 7.2%, and Russia for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented 76.9% of total imports, remaining the main sources for newsprint to the region.

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

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