Paper and paperboard waste market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, China's market for paper and paperboard waste was reshaped by a stringent policy to restrict and then ban imported waste. Tighter import quotas, higher quality standards that reduced allowable contamination from 1.5% to 0.3%, and a 25% tariff on US waste during the trade friction led to a drastic fall in imports. This created a domestic supply gap, pushing up prices for local waste and stimulating investment in the domestic recycling system. The revised Solid Waste Law in 2020 further accelerated this shift by promoting waste classification and resource recycling. While total market volume dipped slightly as imports collapsed, domestic production grew steadily, beginning to offset the loss and stabilize the market.

From 2021, the market entered a new phase of growth driven by the complete ban on imports of old corrugated cardboard and other paper waste fibers. This policy forced the industry to rely entirely on domestic sources, leading to a significant expansion of local collection and processing capacity. The introduction of the 'Waste Paper Processing Industry Standard Conditions' in 2021 formalized requirements for technology, environmental protection, and scale, driving consolidation where large paper companies integrated recycling operations. Concurrently, phased-in national bans on plastic products boosted demand for paper-based packaging, supporting overall consumption. As a result, domestic production surged, pushing the total market volume to new highs by 2022.

In 2023, the market volume in physical terms continued its upward trend, reaching 67.9 million tonnes, although its value declined due to lower price levels. The industry's focus shifted towards high-quality development, with leading companies expanding their market share and advancing the production of higher-grade recycled paper products to meet both environmental and consumer demands.

Production paper and paperboard waste in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of paper and paperboard waste by volume.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

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

China's production of paper and paperboard waste increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 54 932 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.8% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 49 639 thousand tonnes, which represented a 6.1% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 5.6% jump.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's cross-border shipments of paper and paperboard waste rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 thousand tonnes, up 59.4% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 18.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 thousand tonnes, which saw a 61.1% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, North Korea, and Vietnam were the key partners for China's exports of paper and paperboard waste by volume. Canada accounted for 44.0% of exports, North Korea for 20.3%, and Vietnam for 19.3%, together making up 83.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market for paper and paperboard waste from China showed volatility during the observed period. Exports varied significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2020, China exported 1 million US dollars' worth of paper and paperboard waste, a sharp increase of 89.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 million US dollars, which represented a 46.7% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, North Korea, and Vietnam were the main destinations for China's exports of paper and paperboard waste by value. Canada held a 51.1% share of exports, North Korea 24.8%, and Vietnam 10.5%, together accounting for 86.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of paper and paperboard waste by volume declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 893 thousand tonnes, down 33.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 73.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 35.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom were the primary sources for China's imports of paper and paperboard waste by volume. The United States accounted for 44.5% of imports, Japan for 13.7%, and the United Kingdom for 11.1%, together comprising 69.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's imports of paper and paperboard waste by value fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 1 208 million US dollars, a decrease of 37.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 79.4%, with an average annual decline of 41.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for China's imports of paper and paperboard waste by value. The United States represented 44.4% of imports, Japan 13.6%, and the United Kingdom 10.6%, together making up 68.6% of total import flows.

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

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