Feb 15, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Uncoated Kraft Liner – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK uncoated kraft liner market is forecast for steady growth, with consumption projected to reach 1.7M tons (valued at $1.1B) by 2035. In 2024, consumption was stable at 1.6M tons ($1.1B), while domestic production was 1.2M tons. The UK is a net importer, heavily reliant on Sweden, which supplied 72% of imports (422K tons total). Exports are small (31K tons) and primarily go to Ireland. Import prices averaged $834/ton, while export prices were $845/ton.
Key Findings
UK market forecast to grow to 1.7M tons and $1.1B by 2035Market heavily import-dependent, with Sweden supplying 72% of importsIreland is the dominant export destination, receiving 96% of UK exportsAverage import price declined to $834 per ton in 2024Domestic production of 1.2M tons in 2024 fails to meet local consumptionMarket Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for uncoated kraft liner in the UK, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +0.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.7M tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +0.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $1.1B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Uncoated Kraft Liner
Uncoated kraft liner consumption in the UK stood at 1.6M tons in 2024, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year’s figure. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2023 when the consumption volume increased by 7.8%. Over the period under review, consumption hit record highs in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
The size of the uncoated kraft liner market in the UK declined modestly to $1.1B 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). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $1.2B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Uncoated Kraft Liner
Uncoated kraft liner production in the UK contracted to 1.2M tons in 2024, leveling off at the previous year’s figure. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum volume at 1.2M tons in 2015; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.
In value terms, uncoated kraft liner production reached $999M in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by 35%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $1.2B in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Uncoated Kraft Liner
In 2024, uncoated kraft liner imports into the UK reached 422K tons, remaining stable against 2023. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 488K tons. From 2019 to 2024, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, uncoated kraft liner imports dropped to $352M in 2024. In general, imports saw a slight increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 61%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $372M in 2023, and then fell in the following year.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Sweden (302K tons) constituted the largest supplier of uncoated kraft liner to the UK, with a 72% share of total imports. Moreover, uncoated kraft liner imports from Sweden exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Finland (28K tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by France (26K tons), with a 6.2% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Sweden amounted to +1.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Finland (+11.3% per year) and France (+11.6% per year).
In value terms, Sweden ($254M) constituted the largest supplier of uncoated kraft liner to the UK, comprising 72% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by France ($24M), with a 6.9% share of total imports. It was followed by Finland, with a 5.6% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Sweden stood at +3.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: France (+15.1% per year) and Finland (+8.2% per year).
Imports By Type
In 2024, unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (305K tons) constituted the largest type of uncoated kraft liner supplied to the UK, with a 72% share of total imports. Moreover, unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (117K tons), threefold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm imports was relatively modest.
In value terms, unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($240M) constituted the largest type of uncoated kraft liner supplied to the UK, comprising 68% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($112M), with a 32% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm imports totaled +2.2%.
Import Prices By Type
In 2024, the average uncoated kraft liner import price amounted to $834 per ton, shrinking by -6.4% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 25%. The import price peaked at $890 per ton in 2023, and then reduced in the following year.
Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($957 per ton), while the price for unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm totaled $787 per ton.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by kraft paper and paperboard; kraftliner, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (+2.1%).
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average uncoated kraft liner import price amounted to $834 per ton, shrinking by -6.4% against the previous year. Over the last eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 25%. The import price peaked at $890 per ton in 2023, and then reduced in the following year.
Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from France ($929 per ton) and South Africa ($879 per ton), while the price for Poland ($652 per ton) and Portugal ($667 per ton) were amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+3.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Uncoated Kraft Liner
Uncoated kraft liner exports from the UK was estimated at 31K tons in 2024, flattening at 2023 figures. Over the period under review, exports posted a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 274% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2024 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, uncoated kraft liner exports stood at $26M in 2024. Overall, exports continue to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 396%. The exports peaked in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
Exports By Country
Ireland (30K tons) was the main destination for uncoated kraft liner exports from the UK, with a 96% share of total exports. It was followed by India (593 tons), with a 1.9% share of total exports. The third position in this ranking was held by the Netherlands (87 tons), with a 0.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Ireland stood at +12.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: India (+33.1% per year) and the Netherlands (-11.6% per year).
In value terms, Ireland ($25M) remains the key foreign market for uncoated kraft liner exports from the UK, comprising 96% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($289K), with a 1.1% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 0.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Ireland totaled +11.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: India (+38.8% per year) and the Netherlands (-15.6% per year).
Exports By Type
unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (25K tons) was the largest type of uncoated kraft liner exported from the UK, with a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm exceeded the volume of the second product type, kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (5.7K tons), fourfold.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the volume of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm exports stood at +12.3%.
In value terms, unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($21M) remains the largest type of uncoated kraft liner exported from the UK, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($5.1M), with a 20% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of the value of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm exports stood at +10.5%.
Export Prices By Type
The average uncoated kraft liner export price stood at $845 per ton in 2024, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a mild descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 33% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $1,054 per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
Average prices varied noticeably for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm ($889 per ton), while the average price for exports of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm amounted to $831 per ton.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: kraft paper and paperboard; kraftliner, uncoated, bleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 (-0.7%).
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average uncoated kraft liner export price amounted to $845 per ton, leveling off at the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 33%. The export price peaked at $1,054 per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($1,303 per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($442 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 India (+4.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the uncoated kraft liner industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the uncoated kraft liner landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageProdcom 17123100 – Uncoated, unbleached kraftliner in rolls or sheets (excluding for writing, printing or other graphic purposes, punch card stock and punch card tape paper)Prodcom 17123200 – Uncoated kraftliner in rolls or sheets (excluding unbleached, f or writing, printing or other graphic purposes, punch card stock and punch card tape paperCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links uncoated kraft liner demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of uncoated kraft liner dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the uncoated kraft liner market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.