HS Code:
The Paper and Paperboard; Articles of Paper Pulp, of Paper or of Paperboard category (HS Code: 48) includes a wide range of products such as newsprint, writing paper, packaging materials, household and sanitary papers, and other articles made from paper pulp or paperboard. This category is critical for industries like publishing, packaging, and hygiene, and plays a significant role in global trade due to its widespread use in everyday products. The trade of paper and paperboard is influenced by factors such as raw material availability (pulp from wood or recycled paper), environmental regulations, and the shift toward sustainable and recyclable materials.
Total Trade Volume
USD 183 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 22.5 billion
12.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 19.8 billion
10.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 18.4 billion
10.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10.2 billion
5.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 9.7 billion
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal market or USMCA)
Increased demand for sustainable packaging
Rising trade in eco-friendly paperboard and biodegradable materials as businesses shift away from plastic packaging due to consumer demand and regulatory pressures.
2021-2023
Digitalization reducing demand for printing paper
Decline in trade volumes for newsprint and writing paper as digital media and e-books gain popularity, particularly in developed markets.
2018-2022
Growth in e-commerce driving packaging needs
Significant increase in demand for corrugated paperboard and cardboard boxes, boosting trade in packaging materials, especially in Asia-Pacific regions.
2020-2023
The European Union introduced anti-dumping duties ranging from 10-20% on certain Chinese paperboard products to protect domestic manufacturers from unfairly priced imports.
March 2023
Likely to shift trade flows, with EU importers seeking alternative suppliers from countries like Brazil or India, while Chinese exporters may face reduced market share in Europe.
The United States raised tariffs on specific Canadian paper products by 8% following a trade dispute over subsidies provided to Canadian producers.
January 2022
Potential increase in costs for US consumers and businesses reliant on Canadian paper, with possible shifts to domestic or alternative international suppliers.
Several countries, including Japan and Germany, have introduced stricter standards for the use of recycled content in paper products to meet sustainability goals.
July 2023
Expected to boost trade in recycled paper pulp while pressuring exporters without sustainable practices to adapt or lose market access.