Paper exports from India up 80% in FY22

The data shows that the growth straddles across different grades of paper. In value terms, exports of coated paper and paperboard increased by 100%, uncoated writing and printing paper by 98%, tissue paper by 75% and kraft paper by 37%.

Paper exports from India have been looking up in the last five years. In volume terms, paper exports from India have gone up four times from 0.66 million tonnes in FY17 to 2.85 million tonnes in FY22. Similarly in value terms, the figures for corresponding years are Rs 3,041-crore to Rs 13,963-crore.

“Exports have been rising since 2017-18 due to capacity expansion and technological upgradation undertaken by Indian paper mills, leading to better product quality which has found wider acceptance globally,” Rohit Pandit, secretary general, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), said.

In the last five to seven years, paper mills in India, especially the organised sector, have invested an amount of over Rs 25,000-crore in new efficient capacities and induction of clean and green technologies.

Domestic paper companies, in recent years, have also intensified their marketing efforts globally and invested in market development in foreign countries, Pandit added. In the last two financial years, India has become a net exporter of paper in volume terms.

UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are the leading export destinations for India-made paper.