European Paper and Board Production, Consumption Decrease Due to Economic Slowdown
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CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries), Brussels, Belgium, this week released its latest European pulp and paper industry statistics, which give a clear picture of the performance of the industry in 2012. These key statistics include data about production, consumption, and the trade of pulp, paper, and raw materials, as well as data concerning energy, environment, and social affairs. The statistics show that European pulp and paper production in 2012 continued to be affected by the economic slowdown that began in mid-2011.
Notably, performance of the European pulp and paper industry remains above other energy-intensive sectors in Europe. The industry is looking for a healthier supply and demand balance and is modernizing its industrial base to remain competitive. The overall output performance of all CEPI member countries during 2012 was similar to that of other major traditional paper producing world regions, such as the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. Only China and Brazil performed better.
CEPI members produced 92.1 million metric tons of paper and board in 2012, which represents a decrease of 1.6% over 2011. The pre-crisis production in 2008 totaled 97.9 million metric tons. Pulp production fell by 1.0% while the output of market pulp increased by 4.3%. Exports of paper and board outside of Europe showed an increase by 5.3% while imports fell by 9.7% compared with 2011. The overall consumption of paper and board in CEPI fell by 3.8% last year. In comparison, the overall GDP in Europe decreased by 0.3% in 2012, but it will recover in 2014 with a 1.4% increase (source: Eurostat – EU27).
A pdf of the statistics is available on CEPI's website, or statistics can be obtained via email. More detailed statistical information is available to non-CEPI members by subscription. A full report can be ordered by contacting Ariane Crèvecoeur, +32 (0)2 62749 35, or Erik Kilby.
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