Pulp and paper industry in France - statistics & facts

The pulp and paper industry comprises companies that manufacture pulp and paper from cellulosic fibers and other plant materials. The paper and pulp industry is one of the largest industries in the world, and France plays an important role in the sector. Although France’s paper production output is significantly lower than China and the United States, it was the 14th largest paper and board producer worldwide and the fifth-largest paper producer in Europe in 2020.

As of 2020, the French pulp and paper industry consisted of 74 companies, 84 mills, and 126 paper machines. It employed more than 10,000 people and had a turnover of around 4.7 billion euros.

French paper production in decline

French paper and paperboard production has reduced by more than 22 percent since 2010, dropping to 6.9 million metric tons in 2020. In France, as in other countries, the main reason for this decline has been the sharp drop in demand for graphics paper. In 2005, graphics paper accounted for 45 percent of French paper production, but increased digitization has since caused its share to drop to 17 percent. In comparison, paper packaging’s share of production has increased from 44 percent to 64 percent during this period and is now the most produced paper and board type in France. Hygienic paper’s share of overall paper production has also increased since 2005, growing from seven percent to 12 percent.

Paper trade in France

French exports of paper and cardboard amounted to 3.7 million metric tons in 2020. This means that France exported more than half of the paper and paperboard it produced domestically that year. In contrast, paper and cardboard imports to France amounted to 4.8 million metric tons, pushing the country’s total domestic consumption of paper products to more than eight million metric tons in 2020. Perhaps unsurprisingly, France’s main trading partners are neighboring Eurozone countries, as well as Sweden and the United Kingdom.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Aug 2, 2022

Key insights

Global paper & paperboard production
417.3 Mt
Leading paper & paperboard-producing country
China
French pulp & paper industry revenue
4.7bn euros
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Production volume of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2010 and 2021 (in 1,000 metric tons)

Paper Products

Global production of paper and paperboard 2010-2021, by country

Production volume of paper and paperboard worldwide from 2010 to 2021, by type (in 1,000 metric tons)

Paper Products

Global production volume of paper and paperboard 2010-2021, by type

Producer price index (PPI) of industrial production of pulp, paper, and paperboard sold in France from January 2019 to December 2021

Paper Products

Paper products PPI France 2019-2021

Related topics

Recommended

4

Recommended statistics

Overview

4

Overview

Production

6

Production

Consumption

4

Consumption

Trade

4

Trade

Companies

4

Companies

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Paper industry worldwide
Paper industry worldwide
Paper industry in the UK
Paper industry in the UK
Paper and pulp industry in Europe
Paper and pulp industry in Europe
Newspapers in France
Newspapers in France
Paper packaging industry worldwide
Paper packaging industry worldwide

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Client Support Specialist– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
support.japan@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Associate Director - LAC– Contact (Latin America)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu