[1][2] The paper is processed to be soft and absorbent.
Global production of the category in 2013 was 30.9 million tonnes, having steadily increased since 1993.
[3] Production is unevenly distributed throughout the world with the Americas producing about 40%, Asia 31%, and Europe 27%, but Africa and Oceania only 1% each.
Of the leading countries, the USA produces 20%, China 13%, Japan 5%, and Italy 4%.
Worldwide exports in 2013 accounted for 2.4 million tonnes and US$3.5 billion in value with Europe being the leading exporter (64%) and importer (58%).