Recycled paper pulp exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
The United States exported $67.1 million of recycled paper pulp in 2024 (207.6 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 76 countries. That is 31% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $305.1 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 | $67.1M | 207.6K t |
| 2023 | $96.9M | 292.5K t |
| 2022 | $305.1M | 487.0K t |
| 2021 | $217.5M | 343.3K t |
| 2020 | $145.2M | 466.9K t |
| 2019 | $118.4M | 266.5K t |
| 2018 | $26.2M | 36.1K t |
| 2017 | $30.5M | 40.4K t |
Where the United States exports recycled paper pulp to
Most of it went to Canada (30%), China (26%), Malaysia (24%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+126% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $20.0M | 30% |
| China | $17.2M | 26% |
| Malaysia | $16.1M | 24% |
| Finland | $4.5M | 6.8% |
| Mexico | $2.1M | 3.2% |
| South Korea | $1.4M | 2% |
| Japan | $620K | 0.9% |
| Taiwan | $583K | 0.9% |
| Singapore | $529K | 0.8% |
| Indonesia | $370K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.32 per kg, close to the world average of $0.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Recycled paper pulp imports to the United States
In 2024, the United States imported recycled paper pulp worth $329 thousand (5.4 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Netherlands (34%), Canada (22%), China (9%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+660% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $111K | 34% |
| Canada | $74K | 22% |
| China | $29K | 8.9% |
| Brazil | $25K | 7.5% |
| Mexico | $17K | 5.2% |
| Italy | $16K | 4.9% |
| Switzerland | $16K | 4.8% |
| Lithuania | $14K | 4.4% |
| Germany | $12K | 3.7% |
| United Kingdom | $7K | 2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States recycled paper pulp exports (HS 4706.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 exported by the United States?
The United States exported recycled paper pulp worth $67.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 207.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 76 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was down 31% on 2023.
Which countries buy recycled paper pulp from the United States?
Canada was the largest buyer with 30% of the value ($20.0 million), followed by China (26%) and Malaysia (24%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 75 buyer countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 126% on the year.
What is the average export price of recycled paper pulp per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.32 per kg in 2024, 10% above the world average of $0.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of recycled paper pulp from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $30.5 million in 2017 to $67.1 million in 2024, an increase of 120%. The peak was 2022 at $305.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $125.9 million a year.
Does the United States also import recycled paper pulp?
Yes. The United States imported $329 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the Netherlands, Canada and China. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $66.8 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?
Shipment-level records for the United States reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World recycled paper pulp trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.