European Woodfree Paper Market Forecast
A comprehensive forecast report for Europe’s uncoated and coated woodfree paper markets, including detailed forecasts by sub-grade and country. The data driven insights of this report are essential reading for publishing, printing and packaging professionals to help with procurement strategies, pricing and investment decisions.
Drawing on decades of industry expertise and the very latest market data, this report provides detailed insights into demand, supply, trade, prices, and capacity changes across the European Coated Woodfree (CWF) and Uncoated Woodfree (UWF) paper markets.
Report Summary
Data and analysis covered includes:
- Demand: Tracking current and forecast demand for CWF and UWF across European markets.
- Imports: Analysing volumes and trends in Woodfree Paper imported into Europe by grade and source region/country.
- Exports: Spotlight on European export activity, including destinations and changes in trade flows.
- Mill Shipments, Capacity and Operating Ratios: Giving insights into capacity projections, efficiencies and supply trends.
- Prices: Both current, forecast and effective margins.
- Leading Suppliers: Top Woodfree Paper suppliers and any noted changes at these suppliers.
- Delivery Times: Measuring lead times across the supply chain (Mill to Merchant).
The report includes the following paper grades:
- Coated Woodfree Sheets
- Coated Woodfree Reels
- Uncoated Woodfree Cutsize
- Uncoated Woodfree Folio Sheets
- Uncoated Woodfree Reels
Woodfree Paper Report Regions
The EMGE European Woodfree Report includes both Western Europe and Central/Other Europe region (excluding Russia), together with European-wide totals, structured under 3 main geographical groupings:
- Western Europe-16: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland.
Within this are the following:- Nordic = Finland, Norway, Sweden
- Benelux = Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands
- Iberia = Portugal, Spain
- Others = Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland
- Eastern Europe-14: Poland, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Iceland.
- Europe-30: all of the above
Woodfree Paper Market Overview
The European Woodfree Paper market is navigating a complex period of structural change. After a short-term recovery in 2024 caused by companies restocking, 2025 has seen demand fall again. As we look towards 2026, the industry is shifting its focus from growth to stability, with producers cutting capacity to match the lower demand.
- Woodfree Paper Market Trends 2025: The market has returned to decline in 2025. While 2024 saw a brief boost as companies rebuilt their stock levels, this did not last. 2025 was defined by lower consumption and strong competition on price. A strong Euro made things harder, with European exports too expensive for some buyers while encouraging cheaper imports to enter the region.
- Woodfree Paper Market Forecast 2026: During 2026, we expect the market to steady, but at lower sales volumes. A major factor is the “Chinese Capacity Threat.” Huge new paper mills in Asia are producing more Uncoated Woodfree (UWF) paper than the local market needs. This oversupply is expected to flood global markets, forcing European producers to fight hard to keep their customers.
- Mill Capacity and Operating Rates: With operating rates for Woodfree paper grades hovering below profitable levels (often struggling to breach 80%), more mill closures are inevitable. This will reshape the supply map as producers act to realign output with the “new normal” of reduced demand. We expect this trend to accelerate in 2026 as companies focus on protecting their profits rather than chasing sales volume.
- EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): This regulation is creating uncertainty for the industry. With bureaucratic delays likely pushing deadlines towards the end of 2026, companies need to keep their sourcing strategies flexible. At the same time, the ongoing shift to digital continues to reduce demand for Coated Woodfree paper as businesses move away from print.
Subscription Service
Our annual subscription ensures you never miss an important update in this industry. It includes:
- Bi-annual EMGE European Woodfree Paper Market forecast reports (2 pa)
- Access to the EMGE subscriber information and support service
- Ad-hoc industry updates
On subscription you will receive the latest edition immediately. Any remaining editions included within the subscription will be emailed to you as soon as they are available.
EMGE World Graphic Papers Report, a companion to this report, evaluates the outlook for the global supply-demand balance for Newsprint and all Printing/Writing paper grades, including Coated Woodfree (CWF) and Uncoated Woodfree (UWF). Find this report here.
