The global consumption of paper and paperboard totaled 420 million tons in 2023. Consumption is projected to continue rising over the coming decade to reach 476 million tons by 2032. Packaging accounts for the largest share of global paper and paperboard production. Most consumed paper and paperboard type Containerboard was the most consumed paper and paperboard type in 2023, at 185 million tons. Global containerboard demand is expected to increase to more than 220 million tons by 2030. Containerboard is an important paperboard type used in the manufacturing of corrugated boards. Which country produces the most paper and paperboard? The United States was the world’s largest producer of paper and paperboard until the mid-2000s. Since then, China has become the leading producer, with an output of 128 million metric tons in 2022. Other leading paper and paperboard producers include Japan, Germany, and India.

The Paper Mills industry, which produces a range of communication papers and personal care products, has contended with many obstacles to success. Heightened foreign competition from industry frontrunners and developing economies – which can produce and export at lower costs – plus a persistent decline in downstream demand for paper and paper products have hindered the industry in recent years. Paper Mills industry revenue has plummeted at a CAGR of 5.4% over the past five years and is expected to total $34.3 billion in 2024, when revenue will fall by an estimated 2.6%. Major companies have had to contend with the rise of digital media and electronic alternatives, which have taken demand away from paper and paper products. By the end of 2024, the percentage of business conducted online will have rapidly grown, similar to how it has performed over the past two decades. Increased demand for personal care products has been a slight reprieve for some major companies, as demand for adult incontinence products has increased alongside a growing senior population. High barriers to entry and sluggish demand have discouraged new entrants to the industry, leading to a fall in the total number of industry participants. However, industry profit has remained steady over the past five years despite volatility in the world price of wood pulp, the industry's primary input. Companies have implemented cost-effective production methods and diversified their product lines to maintain stable profit. Declining demand will continue plaguing the industry over the next five years, albeit at a decelerated rate. Exports will continue falling as growing digitization in emerging countries depresses global demand. While growth in the percentage of business conducted online will slow, it will remain a significant obstacle for the industry as more consumers choose online substitutes for media, document storage and more. Companies will respond to perpetual declines in demand by focusing on operations in business segments outside of the industry. Businesses focusing solely on paper will continue losing market share, leading to a decline in market share concentration. Paper Mills industry revenue is expected to contract at a CAGR of 4.6% to $27.1 billion over the five years to 2029.

Graph and download economic data for Capital Input for Manufacturing: Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (NAICS 3221) in the United States (IPUEN3221C010000000) from 1987 to 2021 about paperboard, mills, paper, NAICS, capital, IP, manufacturing, and USA.

In 2023, approximately 84 million metric tons of graphic paper were produced worldwide. Meanwhile, packaging paper and board production amounted to 259 million metric tons. Overall, the quantity of paper and paperboard produced worldwide in 2023 weighed more than 400 million metric tons. Demand for graphics papers is declining In today’s digitalized world, there is less need for graphic papers as many formats switch to paperless options. Between 2010 and 2023, the quantity of graphic papers produced worldwide fell by over 40 percent. In contrast, packaging paper and board production increased by roughly 27 percent during the same period. The growth in packaging paper demand has been partially driven by e-commerce. Corrugated material is now the most produced paper grade worldwide, accounting for 45 percent of paper production in 2023. Where is paper produced? The largest producers of paper and paperboard are China and the United States, which produced 134 million and 607 million metric tons worth in 2023, respectively. Paper production in China has risen rapidly in recent decades, while production in the United States has been declining.

The industry has faced a challenging environment recently, with shifting consumer demands and evolving retail landscapes. While sustainability continues to influence a significant segment of buyers, growth has been shaped by where consumers shop. Private-label brands in grocery outlets have become increasingly prominent, offering affordable paper products that often outperform branded alternatives on price and perceived quality. This trend has proven favorable for smaller manufacturers but compresses profit, as companies must sell at lower prices to compete. Similarly, supplying large fast-food establishments with molded pulp solutions has created a new avenue for growth, but has exposed limitations in production capacity. Large-scale clients require higher outputs, straining supply chains competing with cardboard producers for recycled fiber. Constraints in recycled material availability have forced manufacturers to source more expensive inputs, passing along higher operational costs while serving primarily cost-sensitive food service distributors, further limiting profit. The paper cup segment of the industry highlights broader sustainability and cost challenges. Although often promoted as a renewable alternative, limited access to effective recycling programs undermines the appeal of paper cups to sustainability-oriented consumers. This limitation has prompted companies to explore reusable cup options to attract these markets, thereby endangering the market positioning of traditional paper cups. Efforts to adopt alternative materials to PE coatings demonstrate an opportunity to improve sustainability; however, these innovations come with higher costs, which inhibit widespread adoption. Despite these headwinds, one area of resilience is found in cellulose insulation, which has benefited from increased demand tied to eco-conscious residential construction activity. Nonetheless, the industry has experienced a drop in revenue at a CAGR of 3.8% over the five years through 2025, with earnings estimated to fall to $5.4 billion and an additional 1.0% contraction projected for 2025. Profitability also remains under pressure amid rising input and operational costs. The industry appears poised for modest recovery, with new opportunities emerging across several product categories. Stricter labeling requirements are expected to drive greater use of recycled materials, enabling manufacturers to attain FDA approval and appeal to sustainability-minded consumers. Meeting these standards will introduce the complexity of managing multiple supply streams, but could help stabilize input sourcing and foster more competitive pricing. Also, demand is set to grow as technology companies incorporate molded pulp components in packaging and beverage producers develop molded fiber bottles to comply with new environmental laws. Cellulose insulation will likely maintain momentum, supported by public funding for sustainable construction. Together, these trends support a revenue growth at a CAGR of 1.4% through 2030, with annual sales expected to reach $5.8 billion, signaling a gradual return to growth despite persistent cost pressures.

The Report Covers Global Specialty Paper Market Trends & Size and it is segmented by application (packaging and labeling, food service, printing and publication, building and construction), and geography.

The global pulp and paper market was valued at ****** billion U.S. dollars in 2021, and was expected to increase in value in 2022. The market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of **** percent from 2022 to 2029 to reach a value of roughly *** billion U.S. dollars. Growth in paper packaging demand The increasing demand for e-commerce and growing concerns about plastic packaging pollution is set to drive paper packaging consumption in the coming years. The global demand for containerboard, which is the most consumed paper type worldwide, is projected to grow ** percent from 2021 through 2032 to reach *** million tons. Containerboard, also known as corrugated case material, is used in the production of corrugated boards. Pulp consumption for paper production The amount of recycled paper pulp consumed for paper production totaled *** million tons in 2021. That same year, some *** million tons of pulp for paper production came from virgin wood species such as eucalyptus trees. Of this total, ** percent was market pulp made up mostly of Bleached Chemical Pulp (BCP).

This dataset presents annual industrial statistics related to the manufacture of paper and paper products in the State of Qatar. The data is segmented by year and license type—either Industrial Registration or Industrial License—and includes key metrics such as the number of firms, investment levels (in Qatari Riyals, millions), and labor force size.This information supports economic analysis and planning for the paper manufacturing sector in Qatar, offering insights into sectoral growth, industrial investment, and employment trends. It can be used by government agencies, investors, and researchers in alignment with open data and sustainable development practices.

The Paper Industry Machinery Market report segments the industry into Machinery Type (Wood Preparation Machinery and Other Pulp Mill Machinery, Converting Machinery, Paper Prodcution Machinery, Finishing Machinery, and more.), End-User Industry (Packaging Industry, Pulp & Papers Industry, Print Media Industry, and more.), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and more.).

Graph and download economic data for Employment for Manufacturing: Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (NAICS 3221) in the United States (IPUEN3221W200000000) from 1987 to 2024 about paperboard, mills, paper, NAICS, IP, manufacturing, employment, and USA.

The global pulp and paper market, valued at $84.92 billion in 2025, is poised for significant growth. While the provided CAGR is missing, a reasonable estimation, considering industry growth trends and the influence of factors like increasing packaging demand and e-commerce, would place the CAGR in the range of 3-5% for the forecast period (2025-2033). This translates to a substantial market expansion over the next decade. Key drivers include the rising demand for packaging materials, fueled by the booming e-commerce sector and the increasing consumption of packaged goods. Growth in the construction and consumer products sectors also significantly contributes to market expansion. Furthermore, ongoing innovations in pulp and paper production, focusing on sustainability and efficiency, are expected to propel market growth. However, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, environmental concerns related to deforestation, and increasing competition from alternative packaging materials. Segmentation reveals strong growth potential across various application areas like packaging (dominating the market share), consumer products, and building and construction. The regional landscape exhibits variations, with North America and Europe holding significant shares, while Asia-Pacific is predicted to witness considerable growth driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Major players like International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, and UPM are expected to maintain their market presence through strategic investments and technological advancements. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and smaller regional players. Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions is anticipated to continue shaping the market structure. The future of the pulp and paper industry hinges on adopting sustainable practices, embracing technological innovation, and effectively addressing environmental concerns to ensure continued growth while minimizing its ecological footprint. Meeting the growing global demand for packaging and paper products while simultaneously adhering to stringent environmental regulations will be crucial for the long-term success of this dynamic market. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global pulp and paper market, valued at approximately $250 billion, exploring its current state, future trajectory, and key players. It leverages extensive market research and incorporates data from leading companies such as International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, and Stora Enso, to provide actionable insights for businesses operating within or looking to enter this dynamic sector. This report covers crucial aspects including market size, segmentation, competitive landscape, growth drivers, and emerging trends in the pulp and paper industry. Keywords: Pulp and Paper Market, Paper Industry Trends, Packaging Industry, Pulp Production, Paper Manufacturing, Cardboard Market, Sustainable Packaging, Circular Economy.

Graph and download economic data for Capital Costs for Manufacturing: Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (NAICS 3221) in the United States (IPUEN3221C021000000) from 1988 to 2021 about paperboard, cost, mills, paper, NAICS, capital, IP, manufacturing, and USA.

The North America pulp and paper market size was valued at $56.39 billion in 2023 & is projected to grow from $56.53 billion in 2024 to $57.32 billion by 2032

The Middle East And Africa Pulp And Paper Industry Market report segments the industry into By Grade (Bleached Chemical Pulp (BCP), Dissolving Wood Pulp (DWP), Unbleached Kraft Pulp, Mechanical Pulp), By Application (Printing And Writing, Newsprint, Tissue, Cartonboard, Containerboard), and By Country (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa).

The paper, cardboard and paperboard manufacturing industry has experienced an ambivalent development over the past five years. While demand for packaging materials has increased over time due to growing online trade, demand in other areas has declined. Especially in the area of graphic papers, which are used in newspaper and magazine printing, manufacturers have recently lost numerous customers due to the declining circulation figures of newspaper and magazine publishers. Sales have fallen by an average of 3.1% per year since 2019.In 2024, the industry's turnover is expected to be 17.3 billion euros, which corresponds to a decline of 3.9% compared to 2023. The production of paper is extremely energy-intensive, which is why companies in the industry were hit hard by the increases in electricity and gas prices triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The passing on of these cost increases had a very negative impact on paper production in 2022 and 2023, especially as many customers in the industry had previously built up high inventories. For the current year, IBISWorld expects the sales situation in the industry to gradually stabilise. On the one hand, the demand situation is likely to improve minimally overall compared to the previous year, while on the other hand, the players in the graphic paper sector are likely to take further capacity from the market in 2024. By 2029, turnover in the sector is expected to increase by an average of 2.8% per year to 19.8 billion euros. Mail order and online retail in particular are likely to provide positive impetus in the coming years. At the same time, the number of companies in the sector is likely to decrease. Smaller and technically outdated production facilities are likely to be closed by their operators and production is likely to be concentrated in larger and more modern facilities.

The total market value of the pulp and paper industry in North America was nearly 95 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. It is forecast that this market value will increase to roughly 100.4 billion U.S. dollars by 2031. Additional information on the global pulp and paper market can be found here.

Asia accounted for ** percent of the global paper and paperboard production in 2023. Europe was the second-largest paper-producing region that year, representing over ** percent of the world's production. Global paper and paperboard production in 2023 amounted to *** million metric tons.

The specialty paper market is anticipated to reach USD 18.0 billion in 2025. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period and reach a value of USD 29.6 billion in 2035.

USA Pulp Paper Market Analysis The USA pulp paper market is estimated to be valued at USD 51139.4 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.00% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The market is driven by factors such as rising demand for packaging paper due to the growth of e-commerce, increasing use of paper in printing and writing applications, and demand for sanitary papers. The market is also witnessing increasing adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, which is expected to further drive growth in the coming years. Key market trends include the growing popularity of e-commerce, increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and rising use of digital printing technology. The market is fragmented, with a number of major players accounting for a significant share of the total revenue. Some of the key companies operating in the market include International Paper (U.S.), Georgia-Pacific Corporation (U.S.), WestRock (U.S.), Packaging Corporation of America (U.S.), and Domtar Inc. (U.S.). The market is expected to experience moderate growth in the coming years, with the growing demand for packaging paper and sustainable packaging solutions being the key growth drivers. Recent developments include: December 2021: International Paper planned to construct a corrugated packaging manufacturing facility in Atglen, Pennsylvania. The company's objective is to expand its industrial packaging presence in the northeastern United States. Construction of the plant is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2022, with full operational status anticipated by the first quarter of 2023., July 2021: Georgia-Pacific Corporation announced plans to expand its production capacity for curbside recyclable paper padded mailers, responding to the growing demand for environmentally friendly shipping envelopes. The expansion will benefit customers in the Northeast and Southeast regions, including major companies like Amazon. The new manufacturing sites in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, and McDonough, Georgia, will complement the company's existing facility in the Phoenix area, which commenced operations in 2020 and is being expanded with the addition of a third production line.. Notable trends are: Increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging materials and rapid expansion of online retail are driving the market growth.

The industry includes companies that manufacture pulp, paper and converted paper products, with all three processes often carried out at the same manufacturing plant. The manufacture of pulp involves separating cellulose fibres from other impurities in wood or used paper. Paper manufacturing then involves matting these fibres into a sheet and paper products are made from this paper through cutting, shaping, coating and laminating activities.