HS Code:
The category 'Other paper and paperboard, of which more than 10 percent by weight of the total fiber content consists of fibers obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process' (HS Code: 4802.69) includes various types of paper and paperboard products that are manufactured using a significant proportion of mechanically or chemi-mechanically processed fibers. These products are often used for printing, writing, packaging, and industrial applications. This category excludes products like newsprint or specific coated papers classified under different HS codes. The mechanical or chemi-mechanical process imparts unique properties such as strength and opacity, making these products suitable for diverse uses, though they may have lower durability compared to chemically processed fiber papers.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $12.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$2.1 billion USD
16.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 billion USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$900 million USD
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions
Increased use of mechanically processed paper in eco-friendly packaging, boosting trade volumes by 8% annually in key markets like Europe and North America.
2021-2022
Shift towards digitalization reducing demand for printing paper
Decline in certain sub-categories of printing paper, particularly in developed economies, leading to a 3% drop in trade volume for traditional uses.
2020-2022
Growth in e-commerce driving packaging paper demand
Significant rise in exports from countries with strong pulp industries (e.g., Sweden, Finland) to meet packaging needs, with a 10% growth in trade volume.
2021-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the environmental impact of paper production, requiring certification for mechanically processed fibers to ensure sustainable sourcing.
March 2023
This may increase production costs for exporters to the EU, potentially shifting trade flows to less regulated markets in the short term.
A recent amendment to trade agreements between the US and China reduced tariffs on certain paper products, including those under HS 4802.69, to promote bilateral trade.
January 2023
Expected to boost Chinese exports to the US by 5-7% in 2023, benefiting manufacturers in China while challenging domestic US producers.
Major Swedish paper manufacturers announced investments in expanding production facilities for mechanically processed paperboard to meet rising global demand for packaging materials.
June 2022
Likely to reinforce Swedenโs position as a leading exporter, potentially increasing its market share by 2-3% over the next two years.