Mixed paper and cardboard waste trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in mixed paper and cardboard waste was worth $1.91 billion in 2024, about 10.71 million tonnes. That is a fall of 36% since 2017, and down 5% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.91B | 10.71M t |
| 2023 | $2.01B | 12.38M t |
| 2022 | $2.86B | 12.30M t |
| 2021 | $3.01B | 14.17M t |
| 2020 | $1.89B | 13.88M t |
| 2019 | $2.21B | 14.57M t |
| 2018 | $2.60B | 14.58M t |
| 2017 | $2.99B | 16.25M t |
Top mixed paper and cardboard waste exporting countries
Exports are led by the United States (22%), the United Kingdom (13%) and Germany (7%). 147 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 42%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $420.3M | 22% |
| United Kingdom | $253.6M | 13% |
| Germany | $125.4M | 6.6% |
| Netherlands | $119.0M | 6.2% |
| Canada | $84.5M | 4.4% |
| Poland | $82.7M | 4.3% |
| Italy | $71.4M | 3.7% |
| France | $70.3M | 3.7% |
| Belgium | $65.9M | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | $45.1M | 2.4% |
| Denmark | $40.9M | 2.1% |
| Spain | $35.3M | 1.9% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 25% of world imports, ahead of Germany and Thailand. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 47% across 150 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $473.2M | 25% |
| Germany | $281.5M | 15% |
| Thailand | $142.7M | 7.5% |
| Netherlands | $121.7M | 6.4% |
| Turkey | $86.3M | 4.5% |
| Austria | $74.2M | 3.9% |
| France | $73.9M | 3.9% |
| Spain | $67.4M | 3.5% |
| Indonesia | $65.7M | 3.4% |
| Canada | $62.1M | 3.3% |
| United States | $43.4M | 2.3% |
| Malaysia | $35.5M | 1.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.18 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.20 per kg and France $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
The shipment records behind Mixed paper and cardboard waste (HS 4707.90) importers and exporters, worldwide: companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4707.90: Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap. HS 4707 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most mixed paper and cardboard waste?
The United States exported $420.3 million in 2024, 22% of the world total, followed by the United Kingdom (13%) and Germany (7%). In all, 147 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most mixed paper and cardboard waste?
India imported $473.2 million in 2024, 25% of world imports, ahead of Germany (15%) and Thailand (7%). The top three importers together take 47%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in mixed paper and cardboard waste?
It was worth $1.91 billion in 2024, about 10.71 million tonnes. That is a fall of 36% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $3.01 billion. 147 countries reported exports and 150 reported imports.
What is the average price of mixed paper and cardboard waste per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.18 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $0.20 per kg and France $0.11 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste?
The HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste is subheading 4707.90, in chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The first six digits are the same in every country; national tariffs add more. The full list of codes is on the HS 4707 page.
How can I find mixed paper and cardboard waste buyers and suppliers?
EximDataX shows the importers and exporters of mixed paper and cardboard waste by name, from shipment-level customs records updated weekly. Ask for a live look at the markets you sell to.
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