UK recovered paper exports falter in April

United Kingdom – At the recent BIR world recycling convention in Berlin, it was noted that UK exports of recovered fibre were on course to exceed 5 million tonnes for the first time ever in 2016. However, latest statistics from the Confederation of Paper Industries and HM Revenue & Customs reveal a slowdown in April.

Overseas shipments for the month dropped to 366 440 tonnes – their lowest since August last year and well short of the 429 949 tonnes recorded in March. The total represents a decline of 14.9% when compared to April last year, with mixed & mechanical exports falling by 13.4% and corrugated & kraft by 17.9% whereas the high grades posted an increase of 2.9%.

When compared to March, UK collection volumes were more than 100 000 tonnes lower in April at 602 051 tonnes. Across the first four months of the year as a whole, UK recovered paper exports were still 11.5% higher than in January-April 2015 at 1.769 million tonnes.

In Berlin, it was also pointed out that UK recovered paper shipments to China in the first quarter were almost 8% higher year on year at 955 541 tonnes.