Paper and paperboard waste market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the paper and paperboard waste market in Northern Africa expanded from 557 thousand tons to 821 thousand tons. This growth coincided with accumulating stocks of recycled paper in Europe, which increased raw material availability for import into the region. High market pulp prices further enhanced the attractiveness of secondary fiber. The gradual rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility for paper and cardboard in Europe boosted collection rates, likely supporting export flows to Northern Africa.

After peaking in 2020, market volume fell to 579 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 670 thousand tons in 2022. In 2023, the market contracted to 587 thousand tons amid global inflationary pressures and subdued consumption, as noted in European market reports. Major recycling projects announced by players such as Norske Skog and Veolia indicated rising demand for waste paper, although short-term market volume declined.

By 2024, regulatory frameworks like the French decree on EPR schemes had tightened, and repurchase prices for recycled paper reached historically high levels. These developments reflected an ongoing shift toward higher recycling quality and sustainable packaging demand, influencing cross-border waste trade dynamics.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Northern Africa

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

In Northern Africa, paper and paperboard waste production reached 680,000 tonnes in 2020, showing minimal change compared to 2019. The maximum production level was recorded in 2019 at 680,000 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2018 at 659,000 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 3.2% rise, and the largest decline was in 2018 with a 2.7% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Paper and paperboard waste production in Northern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at $90.4 million, representing a 15.3% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 20.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at $122.3 million, which also saw the largest increase of 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of paper and paperboard waste from Northern Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 94,100 tonnes, a substantial 17.0% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 43.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -17.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for paper and paperboard waste from Northern Africa was diverse. India accounted for 23.9% of exports in kind, Spain for 10.9%, and Turkey for 10.7%, with these three countries together contributing 45.5% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Northern Africa's paper and paperboard waste exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled $12,514,000, which is 29.7% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 55.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 23.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. India represented 27.1% of exports in value, Turkey 10.2%, and Spain 8.7%, with these three partners together accounting for 46.0% of total flows. No single country emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of paper and paperboard waste into Northern Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 235,200 tonnes, up by 226.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 1,242.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 137.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Turkey, and Spain were the main sources of paper and paperboard waste imports into Northern Africa. The United States accounted for 51.1% of imports in kind, Turkey for 8.8%, and Spain for 5.0%, with this group comprising 64.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of paper and paperboard waste into Northern Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import value was $[value_last_year] thousand, representing a 96.5% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 257%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Turkey, and Spain were the primary suppliers of paper and paperboard waste to Northern Africa in value terms. The United States accounted for 44.8% of imports in value, Turkey for 14.1%, and Spain for 9.7%, with these three countries together making up 68.5% of total imports.

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

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