In 2020, Germany led European intra-EU27 paper and cardboard waste imports with a 32.19% share, followed by the Netherlands (17.58%) and Spain (11%). 2023 showed notable growth in Romania (22.53%), Slovakia (21.04%), and Poland (10.83%), while France (-2.56%), Belgium (-7.36%), and Sweden (-4.52%) faced declines. Over the past five years, dynamic growth in Eastern Europe reflects evolving recycling infrastructures.
Future trends worth watching include:
- Increased import competition from emerging Eastern European markets.
- Strengthening of recycling capabilities in Western Europe to boost domestic capacity.
- Potential regulatory changes impacting intra-EU waste trading.
- Emphasis on sustainability potentially driving shifts towards local processing.
Top countries in Paper and Cardboard Waste Imports Intra-EU27 (2020) Share by Country (Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 32.19 | 2023 | +2.37% | +2.13% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Netherlands | 17.58 | 2023 | +3.35% | +1.03% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Spain | 11 | 2023 | +3.48% | +3.4% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Austria | 10.44 | 2023 | +1.3% | +0.16% | View data |
| 5 | 5 France | 4.88 | 2023 | +0.076% | -2.56% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Poland | 4.57 | 2023 | +7.26% | +10.83% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Belgium | 4.4 | 2023 | -5.73% | -7.36% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Hungary | 3.86 | 2023 | +7.7% | +4.96% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Slovenia | 1.62 | 2023 | +0.6% | -0.15% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Sweden | 1.58 | 2023 | +2.16% | -4.52% | View data |
