Paper and paperboard waste market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume of paper and paperboard waste in Western Asia grew from 3 801 thousand tonnes to 5 337 thousand tonnes. This increase was driven by rising awareness among consumers and companies about sustainability and waste reduction, which boosted demand for recycled materials. In 2019, import activity for paper waste in Lebanon expanded due to the needs of three large cardboard recycling plants, contributing to higher regional imports. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand for paper packaging, especially biodegradable materials for goods delivery, increasing consumption of paper waste for new packaging production.

In 2021, the market volume declined to 4 896 thousand tonnes after the sharp rise the previous year. However, by 2022, the market recovered to 5 280 thousand tonnes, supported by significant developments in sustainability practices across the region and growing demand for biodegradable packaging materials and kraft paper for transport packaging. By 2023, the market stabilized at 5 264 thousand tonnes, reflecting market maturity after a period of rapid change.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Western 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

In 2019, Western Asia saw a slight decline of 0.1% in paper and paperboard waste production. However, by 2020, output rebounded to 4 344 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Paper and paperboard waste production in Western Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, output reached its peak at 751.7 million US dollars, representing a 5.6% increase. The following year, 2019, saw the largest decline of 11.3%. By 2020, production value had fallen to 638.4 million US dollars, a decrease of 4.3% from 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of paper and paperboard waste from Western Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, volumes dropped to 827 thousand tonnes, down 25.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 47.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 19.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Thailand, and Indonesia were the leading destinations for paper and paperboard waste exports from Western Asia. India accounted for 43.5% of exports in volume, followed by Thailand at 6.3% and Indonesia at 4.9%. Together, these three countries represented 54.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of paper and paperboard waste exports from Western Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 121.5 million US dollars, a decrease of 33.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 55.8%, with an average annual decline of 23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Thailand, and Indonesia were the top buyers of paper and paperboard waste from Western Asia in value terms. India led with 45.7% of export value, followed by Thailand at 6.3% and Indonesia at 5.1%. Their combined share reached 57.2% of total exports.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of paper and paperboard waste into Western Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, volumes rose to approximately 1 820 thousand tonnes, up 24.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 113.7%, with an average annual increase of 28.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of imports in volume was highly diversified. The United Kingdom accounted for 16.0% of imports, Italy for 10.2%, and the Netherlands for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 34.9% of total flows, with the remaining 65.1% distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of paper and paperboard waste imports into Western Asia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit a low of 159.0 million US dollars, marking the largest decline of 13.9%. By 2020, import value had risen to 231.6 million US dollars, up 24.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 25.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, paper and paperboard waste imports into Western Asia came from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands—together accounted for only 32.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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