Newsprint market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK newsprint market volume contracted significantly from 967 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 511 thousand tonnes in 2023, with a steep drop in 2020 followed by a partial recovery in 2021–2022. The rebound was aided by a resurgence in North American newsprint production, which stabilized supply chains, and by the restart of European capacity such as Vipap Videm's mill in Slovenia, easing regional shortages. Concurrent sharp price increases in the UK and Europe reflected tight supply conditions, prompting higher import volumes that supported market volume growth during those years.

In 2023, the market volume fell again to 511 thousand tonnes as declining print media demand led major producers like Resolute Forest Products to reduce capacity. UK magazine circulations had dropped 11% in the preceding year, accelerating the long-term shift toward digital media. Although industry initiatives to boost recycled fiber usage, driven by environmental regulations and consumer preferences, altered production methods, they could not offset the overall contraction in demand.

Production newsprint in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom ranked 10th globally in newsprint production.

Top producers of newsprint, 2018-2021

World map of production of newsprint, 2018-2021

Following a two-year decline, newsprint production in the United Kingdom increased in 2021. That year, the country produced 603 K t of newsprint, an 8.1% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The lowest production level was in 2020 at 557 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 19.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports newsprint from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, the United Kingdom exported 289.1 K t of newsprint, a 6.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 11.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 293.1 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 13.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for the United Kingdom's newsprint exports in volume terms were Germany, accounting for 36.2% of exports, Ireland at 16.1%, and the United States at 14.0%. Together, these three countries represented 66.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the United Kingdom exported newsprint worth 166.8 M $ US, a significant 15.6% increase compared to 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 180.8 M $ US, while the lowest was in 2020 at 144.3 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a 20.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the principal buyers of newsprint from the United Kingdom in value terms were Germany, with 34.0% of exports, the United States at 20.3%, and Ireland at 14.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 68.9% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports newsprint to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

Newsprint imports into the United Kingdom declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume stood at 285.2 K t, a slight decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 43.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the leading suppliers of newsprint to the United Kingdom in volume terms were Norway, contributing 44.7% of imports, Canada at 28.4%, and Sweden at 11.3%. Together, these three countries made up 84.4% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of newsprint imports into the United Kingdom increased in 2021. That year, imports totaled 150.5 M $ US, up 7.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 45.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.5%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 140.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 47.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the top suppliers of newsprint to the United Kingdom in value terms were Norway, accounting for 45.3% of imports, Canada at 29.1%, and Sweden at 12.2%. Their combined share reached 86.6% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021