Global paper demand 2023, by type

Global paper demand in 2023 was dominated by containerboard product type, accounting for

million tons, or roughly percent of total paper and paperboard demand. Traditional printing and writing paper products saw comparatively lower demand at million tons.

Shifting trends in the global paper industry

While graphic paper production declined by over

percent between 2010 and 2023, packaging paper and board production increased by approximately percent during the same period. This trend aligns with the high demand for containerboard and shows the shift in the paper industry towards packaging materials, driven in part by the rise of e-commerce. Looking ahead, global containerboard demand is expected to surpass million tons by 2030, further cementing its position as the most consumed paper and paperboard type.

Paper industry leaders worldwide

China and the United States are the largest paper producers, with China's output reaching

million metric tons in 2023. China also led global paper and paperboard consumption, utilizing over million metric tons in 2023, which represents percent of global consumption. The U.S. follows as the second-largest consumer, with these two nations together accounting for about half of worldwide paper and paperboard production and consumption.