Product intelligence · HS 481810 · 2024 data

Paper: toilet paper

Global exports of paper: toilet paper totalled $4,895,317,528 in 2024, a +0.6% change from the previous year. Traded by 165 countries across 3,870 bilateral corridors, with demand from 200 importing markets. The long-term trend is growing.

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

Global trade

$4.9B

+0.6% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+10.0%

5Y: +4.0%

Supply structure

Diversified

HHI 0.048

Volatility

Low

Score 6/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, paper: toilet paper trade exhibited modest growth, with global flows reaching $4,895,317,528 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +10.0% (five-year: +4.0%). The all-time peak of $4,895,317,528 was recorded in 2024.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 76% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is strengthening (+8.0% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies paper: toilet paper as "Two-way vertical trade" in the high price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is diversified (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.048). The three largest exporters — China ($586.4M), Germany ($387.5M), and Canada ($325.1M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +10.9% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.038). The three largest import markets are United States ($529.1M), Germany ($458.1M), and Netherlands ($323.8M). The largest importing market sources from 58 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -13.70. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is Canada → United States at $323.1M, representing 61.1% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for paper: toilet paper is 6 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, modest but steady demand provides a reasonable entry window. The diversified supply landscape means many competitors but also multiple entry points and buyer relationships to target.

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

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $4,895,317,528 in 2024.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$3,737,253,136-6.9%
2016$3,583,107,829-4.1%
2017$3,603,219,454+0.6%
2018$3,903,593,031+8.3%
2019$4,023,128,518+3.1%
2020$4,106,406,914+2.1%
2021$3,681,867,751-10.3%
2022$4,311,871,082+17.1%
2023$4,866,030,163+12.9%
2024$4,895,317,528+0.6%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of paper: toilet paper in 2024.

View all 165 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for paper: toilet paper.

View all 200 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for paper: toilet paper, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1CanadaUnited States$323.1M+15.7%
2United StatesCanada$191.2M+13.7%
3PolandGermany$190.7M+20.1%
4SwedenNorway$116.4M+0.8%
5ChinaHong Kong$114.9M+2.1%
6United KingdomIreland$110.5M+12.8%
7GermanyNetherlands$97.9M+8.3%
8BelgiumNetherlands$96.3M+51.5%

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.