Paper and paperboard waste market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for paper and paperboard waste in Eastern Asia fell from 94 million tons in 2018 to 87 million tons in 2020. This decline was triggered by the government's ban on foreign waste imports, which slashed import quotas and caused imported waste paper volumes to collapse from over 20 million tons to 8 million tons. The resulting raw material shortage pushed up domestic waste paper prices and constrained supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted production with temporary shutdowns, intensifying the supply gap.

A recovery to 92 million tons occurred in 2021 as domestic waste paper collection systems improved and recycling rates rose. Enhanced collection infrastructure enabled production to increase to 93 million tons, compensating for persistently low imports. During this period, import quotas remained concentrated among major producers like Nine Dragons and Lee & Man, contributing to more stable industrial output.

From 2022 to 2024, the market stabilized around 92 million tons. The domestic waste paper collection rate reached approximately 51% in 2022, supported by government policies including tax incentives and subsidies for recycling. Adjustments to waste paper import regulations and steady demand for packaging paper helped maintain market balance, while advances in sorting and processing technology boosted industry efficiency.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

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

Eastern Asia's production of paper and paperboard waste increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 82 749 K t, marking a modest 2.4% rise compared to 2019. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 79 529 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 4.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's production of paper and paperboard waste in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 11 760 M $ US, down by 2.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 28.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard waste exports from Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 3 940 K t, a 2.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 27.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 760 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 29.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Asia's exports of paper and paperboard waste in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Vietnam accounted for 12.4% of exports, followed by Asia, not elsewhere specified at 7.7%, and Indonesia at 6.1%. Together, these three partners represented just 26.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's paper and paperboard waste exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 560 M $ US, down by 7.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 48.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -19.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Vietnam represented 10.1% of exports, Asia, not elsewhere specified accounted for 6.7%, and Indonesia made up 5.4%. Together, these three countries constituted 22.2% of total flows, with many other partners accounting for the remaining 77.8%.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of paper and paperboard waste into Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 8 026 K t, showing a sharp contraction of 33.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 69.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -32.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands continued to lead as suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Eastern Asia. The United States accounted for 45.8% of imports in kind, followed by the United Kingdom at 10.2%, and the Netherlands at 4.3%. Together, these three countries represented 60.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of paper and paperboard waste into Eastern Asia in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 1 418 M $ US, down by 36.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 77.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 45.8% of imports, the United Kingdom for 9.7%, and the Netherlands for 4.3%. Together, they held a combined share of 59.8% of total import flows.

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

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