STORY-TRÅD·industri

A review of waning U.S. recovered paper trades and output

U.S. recovered paper exports declined 1.2 percent between January and May 2026, while imports fell 16.7 percent annually, according to Census Bureau data. Does this trend signal strong reshoring or waning trade? During the first five months, total shipped recovered paper volumes were 5.58 million net tons (5.07 million tonnes) compared to 5.65 million net tons in the year-ago period. Import volumes in this time frame were approximately 276,000 net tons, against 332,000 net tons. Recycled fibre shipments from and into the U.S. have been flat to low since January this year. However, export volumes have held steady at about five million net tons since 2024, while import volumes have nearly halved from almost 400,000 net tons two years earlier. Stable export demand On a positive note, Asian demand for export-grade recovered paper has been unwavering. India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have remained among the top five buyers in 2026 and 2025. India and Thailand hold a majority share of total exports, with volumes between 850,000 and 900,000 net tons on average since 2024. Malaysia and Vietnam have constantly purchased 600,000-800,000 net tons, although Malaysia has bought approximately 6-12 percent lower volumes over two years. Outside of Asia, Mexico has been a constant importer, although shipments since 2024 have declined about 14 percent, to approximately 650,000 net tons, from 722,000 net tons.  Lower imports The U.S. has been a strong exporter of recovered paper; however, it has consistently reduced dependence on imports over time. Recent government legislation on tariff changes and disruptions to deep-sea routes have been the main drivers of falling volumes. Since 2024, shipments into the country have dropped about 35-40 percent to 276,000 net tons from 444,000 net tons. Canada and Mexico remain the top sellers; however, shipments from Mexico have decreased 50 percent on average to 6,600 net tons, down from 28,000 net tons over two years. Similarly, volumes from Canada are 15-20 percent lower, at 269,000 net tons, from 413,000 net tons.