BIR Reports Tight Supply, Firm Prices in Recovered Paper Market

Paper Recycling  |  2026-07-20 08:03:37   |   By

According to the report, exporters were faced with growing challenges, including higher freight costs, shipping delays, longer transit times, and new regulatory requirements under the European Union's updated Waste Shipment Regulation.

Summary
  • Global recovered paper prices remained elevated as limited collection volumes and stronger mill purchasing kept supplies tight.
  • U.S. mills increased buying amid unusually low inventories, while lower paper recovery was linked to weaker consumer spending, higher fuel costs, and lighter packaging.
  • Exporters faced rising freight costs, shipping delays, stricter regulations, and changing trade flows, but strong Asian demand continued to absorb surplus material.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The global recovered paper market remained under pressure during recent months despite rising prices, according to the latest quarterly report released by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). The market stability was impacted by various factors such as limited supply, logistics challenges, and changing trade patterns.

The report noted that recovered paper collection stayed below normal levels across several major markets. At the same time, paper mills increased inventory purchases to secure raw material supplies. This stronger competition for old corrugated containers (OCC), mixed paper, and other key grades kept the prices at elevated levels.

In the U.S, mills reported unusually low inventories in early June, resulting in stronger buying activity in both domestic and export markets. Lower paper recovery volumes were mainly on account of weaker consumer spending, higher fuel costs, and the rising use of lighter, more efficient packaging materials.

The stricter quality inspections by Indonesian authorities prompted some exporters to redirect shipments to alternative Asian markets.

According to the report, exporters were faced with growing challenges, including higher freight costs, shipping delays, longer transit times, and new regulatory requirements under the European Union's updated Waste Shipment Regulation.

Despite these pressures, demand from Asian buyers continued to help absorb excess recovered paper from Europe and North America.

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