Recycled paper pulp imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of recycled paper pulp by the United Kingdom reached $12.4 million in 2024 (13.8 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 8th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 121 countries. Value rose 132% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 31% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12.4M | 13.8K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 5.3K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 9.6K t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 5.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.4M | 4.6K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $1.9M | 2.0K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports recycled paper pulp from
One supplier dominates: France accounted for 84% of the value. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+231% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $10.4M | 84% |
| Germany | $773K | 6.2% |
| Switzerland | $380K | 3.1% |
| United States | $320K | 2.6% |
| Canada | $151K | 1.2% |
| Czech Republic | $139K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $77K | 0.6% |
| Spain | $50K | 0.4% |
| China | $49K | 0.4% |
| Austria | $20K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.90 per kg, 210% above the world average of $0.29. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Recycled paper pulp exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of recycled paper pulp by the United Kingdom reached $2.7 million in 2024 (9.8 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to Ireland (41%), Malaysia (32%), Italy (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+97% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $1.1M | 41% |
| Malaysia | $863K | 32% |
| Italy | $215K | 8.1% |
| Poland | $95K | 3.6% |
| Germany | $94K | 3.5% |
| Singapore | $77K | 2.9% |
| Thailand | $68K | 2.5% |
| Belgium | $48K | 1.8% |
| France | $48K | 1.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $21K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom recycled paper pulp imports (HS 4706.20): 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 4706.20: Pulp: of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard.
Common questions
What is the value of recycled paper pulp imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported recycled paper pulp worth $12.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 121 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 132% on 2023.
Which countries supply recycled paper pulp to the United Kingdom?
France was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($10.4 million), followed by Germany (6%) and Switzerland (3%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 305% on the year.
What is the average import price of recycled paper pulp per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.90 per kg in 2024, 210% above the world average of $0.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of recycled paper pulp to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.9 million in 2017 to $12.4 million in 2024, an increase of 552%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export recycled paper pulp?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $2.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, Malaysia and Italy. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $9.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for recycled paper pulp?
The HS code for recycled paper pulp is subheading 4706.20. 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 4706 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World recycled paper pulp trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
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