Paper and paperboard waste market in Venezuela

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in Venezuela contracted from 216 thousand tons in 2018 to 199.9 thousand tons in 2023, driven primarily by a steep decline in imports while domestic production remained stable at 201 thousand tons throughout the period. This reduction in market volume coincided with severe economic hardship and hyperinflation that eroded purchasing power and dampened demand for imported materials.

From 2022 onward, the distribution of subsidized gasoline introduced logistical and transport challenges for the recycling sector, further constraining market activity. Economic difficulties pushed more people into collecting and selling waste for subsistence, yet this did not translate into higher domestic production. Key industry players such as REPAVECA and Venezolana de Reciclaje continued to operate as anchors in the recovery and recycling chain, though the market faced high prices for recycled material compared to virgin feedstock.

In the latter years, the market paradox of abundant waste but elevated prices persisted, with limited government support hindering sustainable practices and the growth of small entrepreneurs. Commercialization remained oriented toward large enterprises, while a shift in material preference was noted with increasing recycling activity for PET and glass, indicating evolving dynamics within Venezuela's broader waste recovery landscape.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Venezuela

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 2020, Venezuela produced 201.0 thousand tons of paper and paperboard waste, showing minimal change from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a 0.0% decrease, while the largest increase was also recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Venezuela

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Venezuela exported 72 tons of paper and paperboard waste, representing a strong year-over-year increase of 16.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 60.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia and Thailand were the primary buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Venezuela, together accounting for 84.0% of total exports in volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The maximum value was recorded in 2018, while the minimum occurred in 2020, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of paper and paperboard waste exports from Venezuela reached 19 thousand US dollars, marking a 63.9% increase compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia and Thailand concentrated the majority of Venezuela's paper and paperboard waste exports in value terms, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Venezuela

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 892-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Venezuela imported 950 tons of paper and paperboard waste, reflecting a 70.1% reduction compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 183 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 79.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 89 079.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and the United States were the leading contributors to Venezuela's paper and paperboard waste imports in volume. Brazil accounted for 50.1% of imports, the Dominican Republic for 27.0%, and the United States for 7.1%, together making up 84.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 546-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of Venezuela's paper and paperboard waste imports amounted to 208 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 74.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 460 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 84.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 54 539.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Brazil dominated the country structure of Venezuela's paper and paperboard waste imports in value terms, accounting for 70.9% of total flows. Other destinations played relatively minor roles.

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

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