Product intelligence · HS 480262 · 2024 data

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)

Global exports of uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) totalled $230,848,575 in 2024, a -3.8% change from the previous year. Traded by 99 countries across 1,611 bilateral corridors, with demand from 193 importing markets. The long-term trend is growing.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$230.8M

-3.8% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+8.1%

5Y: +1.1%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.189

Volatility

Low

Score 4/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) trade exhibited slight decline, with global flows reaching $230,848,575 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +8.1% (five-year: +1.1%). The all-time peak of $284,879,795 was recorded in 2002; the current level is 19% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 45% of years recorded positive growth, indicating significant cyclicality with frequent contractions. Trend momentum is strengthening (+7.4% acceleration).

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.189). The three largest exporters — Germany ($78.6M), Indonesia ($46.8M), and China ($43.9M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +9.4% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.067). The three largest import markets are Saudi Arabia ($35.3M), United Kingdom ($29.3M), and France ($20.0M). The largest importing market sources from 12 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -4.85. Buyers have moderate flexibility to shift sourcing, but face some switching costs.

The dominant trade corridor is Indonesia → Saudi Arabia at $30.5M, representing 86.4% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) is 4 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, contracting demand signals caution before committing resources. A moderately concentrated market rewards differentiated positioning and strategic partner selection.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $284,879,795 in 2002. Currently 19% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$201,415,311-6.4%
2016$201,231,768-0.1%
2017$183,753,105-8.7%
2018$198,252,489+7.9%
2019$218,877,975+10.4%
2020$168,708,646-22.9%
2021$182,746,881+8.3%
2022$252,325,932+38.1%
2023$239,876,353-4.9%
2024$230,848,575-3.8%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded) in 2024.

View all 99 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded).

View all 193 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803): over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, in sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded), ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1IndonesiaSaudi Arabia$30.5M+12.6%
2GermanyUnited Kingdom$20.0M+27.9%
3GermanyFrance$17.2M+13.9%
4GermanyItaly$16.9M+3.9%
5GermanySpain$13.1M+3.8%
6United StatesCanada$7.2M+17.2%
7ChinaUnited Kingdom$6.8M+70.6%
8IndonesiaPakistan$5.8M-15.8%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.