Paper and paperboard waste market in Cambodia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in Cambodia showed relative stability from 2018 to 2019, followed by a notable contraction in 2020 when volume fell to 18 171 t. This decline coincided with a sharp increase in export volumes, which reduced domestic availability. The period was framed by the launch of the Phnom Penh Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan 2018-2035, setting a long-term framework for improving municipal solid waste management, and government reforms in 2019 aimed at decentralizing waste services and addressing coverage gaps.

Market volume recovered strongly from 2021 onward, reaching 20 152 t by 2023. This growth aligns with the implementation of the National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan, which emphasized resource efficiency and sustainable waste management. Further momentum came from a $60 million World Bank credit approved in 2023 to strengthen institutional capacity and private sector performance in solid waste and plastic management, supporting the national policy goals under the Urban Solid Waste Management Policy 2020-2030.

In 2024, regulatory enforcement intensified with a notification on solid waste management in Phnom Penh to remind and impose fines according to existing decrees. Efforts continued to address infrastructure gaps and promote recycling, though the informal sector remained a significant player in collection. Global shifts in consumer preference towards sustainable packaging and recycling also presented a broader context for the market's evolution.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Cambodia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

In 2020, Cambodia produced 20,000 tons of paper and paperboard waste, showing no significant change from 2019 levels. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 0.0% decrease, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Cambodia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their peak in 2017, then fell to their lowest point in 2019, representing a 9.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cambodia exported 1,899 tons of paper and paperboard waste, marking a substantial year-over-year increase of 279.8%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 500 tons, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 81.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and Vietnam together accounted for 100.0% of Cambodia's total paper and paperboard waste exports in volume terms, indicating a highly concentrated market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values varied significantly, with a 21-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste exports totaled 265.9 thousand US dollars, representing a 564.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 40.0 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 83.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Thailand and Vietnam were the key markets for Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste exports in value terms. Thailand accounted for 74.7% of total flows, with Vietnam making up 25.3%, together forming 100.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Cambodia

Imports in kind, t

Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 70 tons, representing a 44.1% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, imports fell by 89.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 53.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam and Japan were the leading sources for Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste imports in volume terms, together accounting for 83.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste imports from abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2.8 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 77.2% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, imports decreased by 97.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -70.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the primary source for Cambodia's paper and paperboard waste imports in value terms, accounting for 76.2% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of trading partners.

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

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