Despite the persistent decline in North America and Europe, global paper and board production advanced 0.8% to reach a new record level of 403 million tonnes in 2013. Positive growth in tissue and packaging grades continued to offset the retreat in global graphic paper production. These and other findings were published today in the 2014 Annual Review of Global Pulp & Paper Statistics, by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry.
"China has maintained the top spot for both demand and production of total paper and board over the past five years, with the USA remaining in second place. China accounted for 25% of world demand and 26% of global production of total paper and board in 2013," said Kevin Conley, Senior Economist of World Graphic Paper at RISI.
"In terms of pulp production, the United States remained the top producing country in the world with 49.4 million tonnes in 2013. Canada came in second, producing 17.3 million tonnes, with China a close third at 17.1 million tonnes," continued Conley.
The 2014 Annual Review of Pulp and Paper Statistics is published annually and details demand, production, trade and consumption statistics by region and country for 175 countries. It provides a comprehensive dataset of all key grades of pulp, paper and board for the previous two consecutive years.