Product intelligence · HS 481940 · 2024 data

Paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm

Global exports of paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm totalled $5,355,343,352 in 2024, a +2.8% change from the previous year. Traded by 172 countries across 6,821 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

$5.4B

+2.8% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

+3.6%

5Y: +6.0%

Supply structure

Diversified

HHI 0.130

Volatility

Low

Score 3/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm trade exhibited modest growth, with global flows reaching $5,355,343,352 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of +3.6% (five-year: +6.0%). The all-time peak of $5,664,301,549 was recorded in 2022; the current level is 5% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 83% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is steady (-1.2% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm as "One-way trade" in the medium 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 0.130). The three largest exporters — China ($1.8B), Germany ($406.0M), and Italy ($375.1M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +5.5% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.060). The three largest import markets are United States ($1.0B), Germany ($406.5M), and France ($384.3M). The largest importing market sources from 96 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -11.24. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is China → United States at $276.0M, representing 26.8% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm is 3 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: $5,664,301,549 in 2022. Currently 5% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$3,142,544,281-5.7%
2016$3,211,126,256+2.2%
2017$3,439,850,144+7.1%
2018$3,865,107,990+12.4%
2019$3,993,209,288+3.3%
2020$3,828,219,212-4.1%
2021$4,809,354,402+25.6%
2022$5,664,301,549+17.8%
2023$5,210,699,301-8.0%
2024$5,355,343,352+2.8%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm in 2024.

View all 172 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm.

View all 200 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for paper and paperboard: sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1ChinaUnited States$276.0M-7.4%
2CanadaUnited States$151.7M+5.8%
3ChinaJapan$141.5M+5.6%
4ChinaAustralia$121.0M+15.6%
5VietnamUnited States$117.9M+3.3%
6MexicoUnited States$111.9M+12.0%
7United StatesCanada$99.9M+4.8%
8ChinaUnited Kingdom$93.7M+5.1%

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.