HS Code:
Light-weight coated paper (LWC), falling under HS Code 4810.22, refers to paper coated on one or both sides with a thin layer of material such as clay, used primarily for high-quality printing in magazines, catalogs, and advertising materials. It is characterized by its lightweight nature (typically under 60 g/m²) and smooth surface, making it ideal for offset and rotogravure printing. This category is a critical component of the global paper and pulp industry, driven by demand in publishing and packaging sectors.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.1 billion USD
21% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$900 million USD
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$750 million USD
14% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$600 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$450 million USD
9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Shift to Digital Media
Reduced demand for LWC paper in traditional publishing due to the rise of e-magazines and online advertising, particularly in developed markets.
2020-2022
Sustainability Push
Increased demand for eco-friendly and recycled LWC paper as companies adopt greener practices to meet regulatory and consumer expectations.
2021-2023
Growth in Packaging Applications
Rising use of LWC paper in lightweight packaging solutions, especially in e-commerce, offsetting declines in traditional print media.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties on LWC paper imports from certain Asian countries to protect domestic manufacturers from unfairly priced imports.
June 2023
Potential increase in prices for LWC paper in the EU market, benefiting local producers but raising costs for publishers.
Major Finnish paper manufacturers announced investments in sustainable LWC production facilities, focusing on recycled materials and reduced carbon footprints.
March 2023
Strengthens Finland's position as a leader in eco-friendly paper production, potentially increasing export competitiveness.
Under the USMCA agreement, tariffs on LWC paper between the US, Canada, and Mexico were reduced, facilitating smoother trade flows in North America.
January 2023
Boosts trade volumes among member countries, particularly benefiting Canadian exporters to the US market.