Global paper demand 2023, by type

Global paper demand in 2023 was dominated by containerboard product type, accounting for 185 million tons, or roughly 45 percent of total paper and paperboard demand. Traditional printing and writing paper products saw comparatively lower demand at 52 million tons.

Shifting trends in the global paper industry

While graphic paper production declined by over 40 percent between 2010 and 2023, packaging paper and board production increased by approximately 30 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 220 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 134 million metric tons in 2023. China also led global paper and paperboard consumption, utilizing over 137 million metric tons in 2023, which represents 30 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.