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

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes saw its physical volume grow from 107 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 120 thousand tons in 2021, before contracting to 102 thousand tons in 2023 and recovering partially to 111 thousand tons in 2024. In contrast, the market's value demonstrated consistent growth, rising from 108 million US dollars in 2018 to 157 million US dollars by the end of the period, indicating a shift towards higher-value products.

Regulatory developments and changing consumer preferences began to shape the market notably from 2022. A new Consumer Protection Act came into force in May 2022, strengthening requirements for consumer advisory services. Concurrently, Croatia's Waste Management Plan for 2017–2022 emphasized circular economy principles, and the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) set new recycling targets, while exempting paperboard packaging from reuse mandates. These measures, alongside increased consumer demand for personalized and environmentally sustainable packaging, encouraged the production of more innovative and premium cardboard solutions.

This focus on quality and sustainability was reflected in the market's monetary value, which grew by 13% in 2022 despite a minor dip in physical volume. The value continued to rise in 2023 and 2024, even as volume declined, underscoring a sustained trend of increasing average prices driven by more sophisticated and eco-friendly products.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Croatia's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard was valued at 131.8 million US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 0.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.4%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 14.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's production of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 138.2 thousand tonnes, which is 3.4% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 131.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Croatia's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have rebounded. In 2020, the country exported 38 034 tonnes, showing a moderate year-over-year gain of 9.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019, at 34 761 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, at 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the key markets for Croatia's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases in kind. Hungary accounted for 40.9% of exports, Slovenia for 27.6%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 20.7%. Together, these three countries represented 89.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms reached 37 527 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.3% year-over-year gain. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 7.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 38 142 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 7.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the primary buyers of Croatia's cartons, boxes, and cases in value terms. Hungary made up 40.0% of exports, Slovenia 29.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 19.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 88.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard totalled 11 542 tonnes, down by 5.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2018, at 10 370 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019, at 12 144 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia were the dominant sources for Croatia's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases in kind. Together, these three countries accounted for 72.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms amounted to 14 463 thousand US dollars, up by 0.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 14 538 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia formed the main cluster of markets for Croatia's imports in value terms. Italy contributed 34.5% of imports, Hungary 18.3%, and Slovenia 13.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 66.4% of total import flows.

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

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