Paper and paperboard waste market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in Malaysia expanded significantly from 1.5 million metric tons in 2018 to over 3.1 million metric tons by 2023. This growth was entirely driven by a sharp increase in imports, which rose from 335 000 metric tons to 1.9 million metric tons over the period, while domestic production remained steady at 1.2 million metric tons annually.

The market's expansion was supported by broader regional trends, including rising urbanization, literacy rates, and demand for paper-based packaging, particularly corrugated cardboard. Government policies promoting reduced plastic use and sustainability, along with shifting consumer preferences toward eco-friendly packaging, encouraged recycling activities. In 2022, when market volume growth stabilized, global factors such as increased wood pulp prices affected production costs, and the lack of local collection and sorting infrastructure in some Asian countries presented ongoing challenges. These elements collectively shaped the import-dependent growth of Malaysia's paper waste market.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Malaysia was among the world's leading producers of paper and paperboard waste from 2018 to 2021, ranking 26th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2018-2021

In 2021, Malaysia produced 1 200 K t of paper and paperboard waste, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.0% decrease, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2019 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Malaysia

Exports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with the maximum value recorded in 2020 at 12 K t, followed by a sharp decline to 0.0 K t in 2021, representing a 100.0% year-over-year decrease. From the low in 2021 to the high in 2020, volumes varied 2 998 times. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 61.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam were the principal destinations for Malaysia's exports of paper and paperboard waste in kind. China accounted for 38.2% of exports, Hong Kong for 33.3%, and Vietnam for 28.5%, jointly representing 100.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Peak exports occurred in 2020, reaching 2.3 M $ US, while the trough was in 2021 at 0.0 M $ US, representing a 99.7% decrease compared to 2020 and a 307-fold gap between the two years. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 60.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam remained the leading destinations for Malaysia's exports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms. Hong Kong accounted for 39.0% of exports, China for 38.3%, and Vietnam for 22.5%, with a combined share of 99.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Malaysia

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign paper and paperboard waste supplies to Malaysia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 1 791 K t, representing a sharp rise of 66.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 434.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 74.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore were the main suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Malaysia in kind. The United States accounted for 33.3% of imports, the United Kingdom for 22.4%, and Singapore for 9.8%, together comprising 65.4% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Paper and paperboard waste volumes imported by Malaysia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 470.2 M $ US, up by 191.5% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 604.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 91.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore consistently remained the main destinations for Malaysia's imports of paper and paperboard waste in value terms. The United States accounted for 35.4% of imports, the United Kingdom for 23.4%, and Singapore for 8.8%, together accounting for 67.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021