Oct 19, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The UK market for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers is forecast for modest growth, with volume and value projected to reach 227K tons and $214M by 2035, respectively. Despite a significant historical decline from 2014 peaks, 2024 saw a consumption increase to 199K tons, valued at $183M. The market is heavily import-dependent, with Sweden being the dominant supplier, while domestic production remains minimal. A notable feature is the substantial price disparity between lower-priced imports and high-value exports, with Germany being a key high-value export destination. The market structure is defined by reliance on foreign supply, a small but high-value export segment, and a slow recovery from a previous major downturn.
Key Findings
Market is forecast to grow to 227K tons in volume and $214M in value by 2035UK consumption in 2024 was 199K tons, a significant drop from the 457K ton peak in 2014Imports dominate supply, with Sweden providing 66% of the 206K tons imported in 2024Domestic production is minimal, at only 572 tons in 2024Export prices are exceptionally high at $7,785 per ton, over eight times the import priceMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 227K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $214M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers
In 2024, approx. 199K tons of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers were consumed in the UK; surging by 8.8% against 2023. In general, consumption, however, recorded a abrupt descent. Consumption of peaked at 457K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
The revenue of the market for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers in the UK totaled $183M in 2024, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, saw a deep slump. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $359M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers
In 2024, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers was finally on the rise to reach 572 tons for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 7.5% against the previous year. Production of peaked at 1.5K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, production of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers skyrocketed to $4.5M in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, continues to indicate a precipitous slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the production volume increased by 803% against the previous year. Production of peaked at $64M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers
In 2024, the amount of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers imported into the UK expanded markedly to 206K tons, growing by 5.9% compared with the previous year. In general, imports, however, showed a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 when imports increased by 30%. Imports peaked at 471K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers shrank modestly to $185M in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 52%. Imports peaked at $381M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Sweden (136K tons) constituted the largest supplier of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers to the UK, with a 66% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers from Sweden exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Finland (22K tons), sixfold. Germany (20K tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9.7% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Sweden totaled -4.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Finland (-13.9% per year) and Germany (+2.6% per year).
In value terms, Sweden ($112M) constituted the largest supplier of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers to the UK, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($23M), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Finland, with a 9.7% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from Sweden stood at -3.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+4.2% per year) and Finland (-13.1% per year).
Imports By Type
In 2024, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls (180K tons) constituted the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers supplied to the UK, with a 87% share of total imports. Moreover, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (20K tons), ninefold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls imports totaled -7.0%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (-1.3% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-7.7% per year).
In value terms, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($149M) constituted the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers supplied to the UK, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state ($25M), with a 13% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls imports amounted to -6.1%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (-0.5% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (-3.8% per year).
Import Prices By Type
The average import price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers stood at $899 per ton in 2024, dropping by -8% against the previous year. Over the last eleven years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $976 per ton in 2023, and then shrank in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($1,847 per ton), while the price for paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($829 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (+4.2%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
The average import price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers stood at $899 per ton in 2024, falling by -8% against the previous year. Over the last eleven years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the average import price increased by 17% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $976 per ton in 2023, and then declined in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Portugal ($2,417 per ton), while the price for Norway ($819 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Portugal (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Uncoated Mechanical Printing and Writing Papers
In 2024, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers, when their volume decreased by -36% to 8.2K tons. Overall, exports saw a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 with an increase of 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at 16K tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers fell to $64M in 2024. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 9.4% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $71M in 2023, and then reduced in the following year.
Exports By Country
The United States (3K tons), Germany (1.8K tons) and Finland (890 tons) were the main destinations of exports of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers from the UK, together accounting for 70% of total exports. Spain, Ireland, France, China, Italy and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +46.8%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Germany ($21M), the United States ($15M) and Finland ($10M) constituted the largest markets for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers exported from the UK worldwide, together comprising 73% of total exports. Spain, France, China, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.
Among the main countries of destination, China, with a CAGR of +62.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Exports By Type
Uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state (7.2K tons) was the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers exported from the UK, with a 88% share of total exports. Moreover, uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state exceeded the volume of the second product type, paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls (933 tons), eightfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state exports totaled -3.1%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls (-11.3% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (-22.3% per year).
In value terms, uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($62M) remains the largest type of uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers exported from the UK, comprising 97% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($1.6M), with a 2.5% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state exports stood at +2.7%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls (-5.5% per year) and uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (-15.0% per year).
Export Prices By Type
The average export price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers stood at $7,785 per ton in 2024, growing by 40% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 41%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $7,947 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was uncoated paper and paperboard in square with one side > 435 mm or with one side <= 435 mm and the other side > 297 mm in the unfolded state ($8,602 per ton), while the average price for exports of paper & paperboard; uncoated, over 10% by weight of the total fibre content obtained by mechanical or chemi-mechanical process fibres, rolls ($1,696 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: uncoated paper and paperboard; in square or rectangular sheets with one side <= 435 mm and the other side <= 297 mm in the unfolded state (+9.3%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
The average export price for uncoated mechanical printing and writing papers stood at $7,785 per ton in 2024, picking up by 40% against the previous year. Overall, the export price enjoyed a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $7,947 per ton in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the export prices remained at a lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($11,595 per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($789 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to France (+15.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.