CEPI: European Paper Output Down 1.5% in 2025

Although the EU trade surplus narrowed 4.4%, it remains positive.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Preliminary 2025 data released by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) indicate that European paper and board production declined by 1.5% year-on-year, reflecting a broader contraction across global markets. The downturn extends a negative trajectory that began in 2021, driven by weak demand, elevated energy and manufacturing costs, mounting regulatory pressures, geopolitical instability, and rising trade tensions.

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Graphic paper output remained the most vulnerable segment, plunging 7.2% in 2025. By contrast, packaging paper and board recorded marginal growth of 0.1%, while tissue paper slipped 0.8% and other paper and board grades edged up 0.4%. Despite relative stability in these segments, overall production remains 6.8% below the record levels achieved in 2021.

Globally, paper and board production was largely flat, down 0.3%. However, major producers including the United States, Japan, Canada, and South Korea reported sharper declines ranging from 1.9% to 5.7%. Brazil posted a modest 0.1% increase, while China expanded output by 2.9%.

Although the EU trade surplus narrowed 4.4%, it remains positive. Exports fell 2.2%, while imports rose 1.4%, underscoring competitive pressures despite Europe’s leadership in bio-based and circular materials.

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