Bleached sack kraft paper market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Swedish bleached sack kraft paper market was shaped by major producers like Nordic Paper and Stora Enso. Consumer preference for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging grew, supporting demand. In 2020, supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic delayed deliveries, but heightened packaging needs during the crisis boosted market volume to 33.4 thousand tonnes.

Market expansion continued into 2021 and 2022, with volume reaching 53.4 thousand tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by strong demand for sustainable packaging and supply shortages, which led to significant price increases for both unbleached and bleached sack kraft paper. Operational challenges at the major producer BillerudKorsnäs, including potential layoffs at a large mill, coincided with this period but did not prevent overall market growth, supported by Sweden's role as a top exporter.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 40.2 thousand tonnes, a correction following the previous boom. During this year, Billerud launched a fully compostable, digitally printed sack kraft paper, reflecting ongoing innovation aligned with sustainability trends. The market rebounded strongly in 2024 to 59.9 thousand tonnes, fueled by persistent consumer demand, further price hikes due to supply constraints, and global pressures on raw material costs and supply chains.

Production bleached sack kraft paper in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bleached sack kraft paper from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, Sweden's exports of bleached sack kraft paper reached their lowest point at 136.2 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, cross-border shipments increased to 148.7 thousand tons, marking a 9.1% rise compared to 2019. The peak export volume was recorded earlier, in 2018, at 152.1 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Sweden's exports of bleached sack kraft paper were distributed across multiple markets without a single dominant destination. Italy accounted for 18.2% of exports in volume, Germany for 11.0%, and China for 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 35.3% of total exports, while numerous smaller partners held modest individual shares, reflecting a diversified export structure.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2019, Sweden's exports of bleached sack kraft paper in value terms saw their largest decline, falling by 10.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 172.3 million US dollars, which also marked the largest increase of 17.9%. In 2020, exports amounted to 161.9 million US dollars, showing a 5.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 10.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of bleached sack kraft paper from Sweden in value terms were Italy, with 18.6% of exports, Germany at 11.2%, and Poland at 5.9%. Combined, these three countries contributed 35.6% of total export value. This limited share highlights a diversified country structure, with many other markets playing smaller but significant roles.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports bleached sack kraft paper to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of bleached sack kraft paper have declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, import volume dropped to approximately 0.0 thousand tons, a decrease of 35.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 70.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 33.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the main suppliers of bleached sack kraft paper to Sweden were Finland, accounting for 35.0% of imports in volume, the United States at 34.2%, and China at 8.0%. Together, these three countries comprised 77.2% of total imports, indicating a concentrated sourcing structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of bleached sack kraft paper have been declining for three years in a row. In 2020, import value amounted to 0.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 36.7% decrease compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 47.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -19.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, Finland was the leading supplier of bleached sack kraft paper to Sweden in value terms, representing 54.1% of imports. The United States followed with 18.7%, and China with 8.2%. These three countries together accounted for 81.0% of total import value, demonstrating a high level of concentration in Sweden's import sources.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020