Product intelligence · HS 481022 · 2024 data

Paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets

Global exports of paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets totalled $1,742,588,076 in 2024, a -12.5% change from the previous year. Traded by 107 countries across 1,664 bilateral corridors, with demand from 182 importing markets. The long-term trend is declining.

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

Global trade

$1.7B

-12.5% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

-5.7%

5Y: -9.9%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.201

Volatility

Low

Score 15/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets trade exhibited significant decline, with global flows reaching $1,742,588,076 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of -5.7% (five-year: -9.9%). The all-time peak of $6,261,801,054 was recorded in 2008; the current level is 72% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 48% of years recorded positive growth, indicating significant cyclicality with frequent contractions. Trend momentum is steady (+2.6% acceleration).

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.201). The three largest exporters — Finland ($629.4M), Germany ($372.3M), and Canada ($217.5M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at -4.2% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.086). The three largest import markets are United States ($362.1M), Germany ($228.3M), and France ($189.6M). The largest importing market sources from 30 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -5.25. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is Canada → United States at $206.5M, representing 57.0% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets is 15 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: $6,261,801,054 in 2008. Currently 72% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$3,381,693,194-17.6%
2016$3,065,605,374-9.3%
2017$2,882,321,809-6.0%
2018$3,234,868,212+12.2%
2019$2,939,041,107-9.1%
2020$2,033,313,259-30.8%
2021$2,074,877,165+2.0%
2022$2,478,251,783+19.4%
2023$1,991,158,145-19.7%
2024$1,742,588,076-12.5%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets in 2024.

View all 107 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets.

View all 182 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibres, for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, light-weight coated paper, in rolls or sheets, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1CanadaUnited States$206.5M+2.4%
2FinlandGermany$119.9M-8.2%
3FinlandUnited States$119.7M+3.9%
4GermanyFrance$97.7M-1.5%
5GermanyPoland$62.7M-10.4%
6SwitzerlandGermany$53.9M-1.7%
7FinlandBelgium$36.2M-3.0%
8FinlandPoland$35.3M-6.4%

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.