The global consumption of paper and paperboard totaled 420 million tons in 2023. Consumption is projected to continue rising over the coming decade to reach 476 million tons by 2032. Packaging accounts for the largest share of global paper and paperboard production.
Most consumed paper and paperboard type
Containerboard was the most consumed paper and paperboard type in 2023, at 185 million tons. Global containerboard demand is expected to increase to more than 220 million tons by 2030. Containerboard is an important paperboard type used in the manufacturing of corrugated boards.
Which country produces the most paper and paperboard?
The United States was the world’s largest producer of paper and paperboard until the mid-2000s. Since then, China has become the leading producer, with an output of 128 million metric tons in 2022. Other leading paper and paperboard producers include Japan, Germany, and India.
Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032
(in million metric tons)
Characteristic
Demand in million metric tons
2032
476
2031
470
2030
467
2029
458
2028
452
2027
446
2026
439
2025
435
2024*
427
2023
420
2022
415
2021
420
0100200300400500600
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Suzano. (November 18, 2024). Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032 (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/
Suzano. "Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032 (in million metric tons)." Chart. November 18, 2024. Statista. Accessed April 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/
Suzano. (2024). Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032 (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 28, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/
Suzano. "Paper Consumption Worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with Forecasts until 2032 (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 18 Nov 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/
Suzano, Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032 (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/ (last visited April 28, 2025)
Paper consumption worldwide from 2021 to 2023, with forecasts until 2032 (in million metric tons) [Graph], Suzano, November 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1089078/demand-paper-globally-until-2030/
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