Paper and paperboard waste market in Cuba

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Cuba's market for paper and paperboard waste experienced significant fluctuations, with volume rising from 27 thousand t in 2018 to over 30 thousand t in 2019 and again in 2023, while dipping in 2020 and 2022. Domestic production remained fixed at 28 thousand t annually, so all changes in market size stemmed from shifts in import and export volumes.

The market's growth in 2021 coincided with the entry of the private recycling venture 'Ciclo' in Havana, which aimed to increase the production of recycled paper using eco-friendly methods. The following year, the approval of the Law on Natural Resources and the Environment (Ley 150) in May 2022 established a stricter regulatory framework for sustainable resource management, which contributed to a temporary contraction in trade and market volume.

By 2023, a marked increase in the recovery of recyclable materials—with collections reaching 74 thousand t by September—and the launch of community-based initiatives such as 'Reciclo Mi barrio' helped drive market volume back above 30 thousand t. Throughout the period, the state-owned Union de Empresas de Recuperación de Materias Primas (UERMP) focused on promoting exports and import substitution, influencing the trade balance and overall market dynamics.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Cuba

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, Cuba produced 28 000 tonnes of paper and paperboard waste, showing no significant change compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase also occurred in 2018 at 0.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Cuba's paper and paperboard waste production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 016 thousand US dollars, representing a 19.4% decline compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 44.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cuba in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Cuba

Exports in kind, t

Paper and paperboard waste volumes leaving Cuba declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Cuba exported 489 tonnes, marking a significant drop of 20.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 237 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 50.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 55.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Spain, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and Mexico—together accounted for 93.9% of total exports in kind of paper and paperboard waste from Cuba.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Paper and paperboard waste exports from Cuba declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Cuba exported 18 thousand US dollars' worth, which is 36.0% lower year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 66.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 76 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 63.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 45.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain (57.2% of exports in value terms), Asia (not elsewhere specified) (18.0%), and Mexico (16.5%) formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms, together representing 91.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Cuba

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 187 tonnes, rising to a maximum in 2019 at 2 923 tonnes—a variation of 16 times. In 2020, paper and paperboard waste imports into Cuba tallied 1 635 tonnes, which is 44.0% less compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 70.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1 465.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Russia continued to lead the list of markets for imports in kind, together accounting for 88.1% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports fell to a trough in 2018 at 110 thousand US dollars, rising to a peak in 2019 at 1 654 thousand US dollars—a change of 15 times. In 2020, the volume of paper and paperboard waste imports into Cuba was recorded at 926 thousand US dollars, which is 44.0% smaller over the past year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 76.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1 399.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Russia played the leading roles in imports in value terms, with a combined share of 84.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

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