Cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes grew in 2018 and 2019, driven by the expansion of e-commerce and sustained demand from the food industry. This period saw increased need for shipping and protective packaging, alongside a consumer shift toward sustainable and recyclable materials.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online shopping, boosting production of corrugated packaging in 2020 despite a short-term market volume contraction. In the following years, innovation focused on mono-material solutions to replace plastic inserts, enhancing recyclability, while regulatory developments on parcel delivery and a strong push for eco-friendly packaging continued to influence the market through 2022.

After reaching a peak volume in 2023, the market experienced a notable decline in 2024, reflecting broader adjustments in supply and demand dynamics.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard reached a value of 883.3 million US dollars, marking a 4.2% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.4%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 898.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 12.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Belgium produced 706.3 thousand tonnes of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard, representing a 1.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.2%. The largest decline was observed in 2019 with a decrease of 0.5%, whereas the most notable increase occurred in 2018, climbing by 2.7%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Belgium increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Belgium exported 197.9 thousand tonnes, which was 12.4% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 29.9%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and France were the primary markets for Belgium's exports in kind, together accounting for 84.1% of total export flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Belgium increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 245.5 million US dollars, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 19%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Belgium's exports in value terms of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard were the Netherlands, accounting for 48.1% of export value, France with 29.0%, and Germany at 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 84.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard into Belgium declined. In 2020, imports totaled 257.2 thousand tonnes, showing a gradual decrease of 6.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 27.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 273.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 21.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 36.0% of imports in kind, Germany at 29.9%, and France with 22.2%, dominated the structure of Belgium's imports in kind. Together, these three countries accounted for 88.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium imported cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard worth 335.1 million US dollars, showing an increase of 5.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 17.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a drop of 2.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, accounting for 34.4% of imports in value terms, Germany with 30.0%, and France at 20.2%, formed the main cluster of markets for Belgium's imports in value terms. Combined, these three countries represented 84.6% of total import flows.

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

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