Mixed paper and cardboard waste exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
The United Kingdom exported $253.6 million of mixed paper and cardboard waste in 2024 (1.46 million tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 147 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $384.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $253.6M | 1.46M t |
| 2023 | $254.0M | 1.66M t |
| 2022 | $384.6M | 1.66M t |
| 2021 | $383.8M | 1.71M t |
| 2020 | $227.5M | 1.82M t |
| 2019 | $276.0M | 1.90M t |
| 2018 | $270.4M | 1.44M t |
| 2017 | $277.0M | 1.55M t |
Where the United Kingdom exports mixed paper and cardboard waste to
The largest buyer markets were India (37%), Turkey (23%), Netherlands (10%). Among the main buyer markets, Spain grew fastest (+373% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $93.1M | 37% |
| Turkey | $58.5M | 23% |
| Netherlands | $26.0M | 10% |
| Germany | $13.4M | 5.3% |
| Vietnam | $12.7M | 5% |
| France | $9.7M | 3.8% |
| Malaysia | $9.7M | 3.8% |
| Indonesia | $8.6M | 3.4% |
| Thailand | $6.7M | 2.7% |
| Spain | $6.7M | 2.7% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.17 per kg, close to the world average of $0.18.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Mixed paper and cardboard waste imports to the United Kingdom
Imports of mixed paper and cardboard waste by the United Kingdom reached $2.7 million in 2024 (12.2 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Ireland (44%), Germany (23%), United States (22%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+715% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $1.2M | 44% |
| Germany | $619K | 23% |
| United States | $590K | 22% |
| Norway | $152K | 5.7% |
| Netherlands | $80K | 3% |
| Belgium | $24K | 0.9% |
| Canada | $15K | 0.6% |
| South Africa | $10K | 0.4% |
| Czech Republic | $5K | 0.2% |
| Sweden | $3K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom mixed paper and cardboard waste exports (HS 4707.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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.
Common questions
What is the value of mixed paper and cardboard waste exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported mixed paper and cardboard waste worth $253.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.46 million tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 147 countries worldwide, with 13% of world exports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy mixed paper and cardboard waste from the United Kingdom?
India was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($93.1 million), followed by Turkey (23%) and the Netherlands (10%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 47 buyer countries in total. Spain grew fastest among the top ten, up 373% on the year.
What is the average export price of mixed paper and cardboard waste per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.17 per kg in 2024, 6% below the world average of $0.18 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of mixed paper and cardboard waste from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $277.0 million in 2017 to $253.6 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2022 at $384.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $290.9 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import mixed paper and cardboard waste?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, Germany and the United States. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $250.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste?
The HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste is subheading 4707.90. It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4707 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World mixed paper and cardboard waste trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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