AFRY Long-Term Outlook: World Paper Markets
About the report
World Paper Markets up to 2040
AFRY’s World Paper Markets up to 2040 (2026 edition) provides a comprehensive assessment of the long-term outlook for the global paper and paperboard industry. The study analyses the key demand, supply, competitiveness, and trade factors shaping market development across regions and product segments through 2040.
Drawing on more than four decades of global industry experience and market intelligence, AFRY combines deep sector expertise with independent analysis to help companies navigate an increasingly complex and evolving market environment.
Long-term insight, backed by detailed data
World Paper Markets up to 2040 combines a comprehensive executive report with access to the underlying data through AFRY Smart Business Intelligence, our digital analytics platform.
The executive report brings together the key market conclusions, long-term forecasts and strategic analysis across regions, grades and market drivers. It is supported by detailed charts, regional reviews, and industry structure analysis.
Through AFRY Smart Business Intelligence, users can explore the data in greater detail and tailor the analysis to their needs. The platform enables users to:
- explore interactive visualizations
- drill down into country, regional and grade-level data
- compare markets and regions
- aggregate data flexibly
- download charts
- access statistical annexes
The 2026 edition includes historical data through 2025 and forecasts for 2030, 2035, and 2040.
Two subscription alternatives are available: access to the executive report and AFRY Smart Business Intelligence digital data tool, or a subscription that also includes forecast updates in 2027 and 2028.
Contact our team to learn more about the report or arrange a demonstration of AFRY Smart Business Intelligence.
What the study covers
AFRY’s World Paper Markets up to 2040 provides a comprehensive long-term view of global paper and paperboard markets, combining strategic analysis with detailed market data and forecasts through 2040.
Report and digital access
The study combines a comprehensive executive report with access to the underlying data through AFRY Smart Business Intelligence.
The report includes:
- Strategic market overview
- Key conclusions and forecasts
- Grade-specific and regional outlooks
- Industry structure and competitiveness analysis
AFRY Smart enables users to explore the data in greater detail through interactive visualisations, comparisons, drill-downs and downloadable charts.
Global market coverage
The study provides a consistent view across the major global paper and paperboard markets, covering:
- North America
- Western and Eastern Europe
- China, Japan and the rest of Asia
- Middle East
- Latin America
- Africa
- Oceania
Historical data is available through 2025, with forecasts for 2030, 2035, and 2040.
Product and market analysis
The study covers the major paper and paperboard product areas:
- Graphic papers
- Tissue
- Packaging paper and paperboard
- Other paper and board
- Specialty papers
Analysis includes long-term demand, production trends, capacity additions and closures, trade flows, asset quality and industry structure.
2026 Topical Insights
The 2026 edition includes dedicated analysis of strategic issues reshaping the industry:
- Europe’s competitiveness in a high-cost environment
- China’s scale, integration and investment momentum
- The competitive implications of PPWR
- The potential impact of AI on operations, competitiveness and decision-making
