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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Hungarian market for corrugated paperboard boxes and cases expanded rapidly, with physical volume rising from 260 thousand tonnes to 477 thousand tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by the sustained rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable packaging. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the shift to online shopping, causing a sharp spike in demand for shipping boxes. Concurrently, manufacturers invested in automation and digital technologies, such as smart packaging with QR codes and RFID for tracking, which improved production efficiency and product quality.

In 2022, the sector received a significant boost from the opening of a modern corrugated board plant in Dunavarsány by Dunapack Packaging, an investment worth nearly 20 billion Hungarian forints. The facility, operating largely on recycled paper, increased domestic production capacity and reinforced the industry's focus on environmentally friendly solutions. In the following years from 2022 to 2025, imports of these boxes gradually declined from 112 thousand tonnes to 101 thousand tonnes, while exports grew from 89 thousand tonnes to 94 thousand tonnes, indicating stronger competitiveness of Hungarian production in foreign markets.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of decline, Hungary's production of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 489.5 million US dollars, marking a significant 27.9% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 5.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest point was in 2020, when production fell to 382.7 million US dollars, representing the largest decline of 13.3% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary's production volume of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has now increased for three consecutive years. In 2021, the country produced 453.1 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp 28.7% rise from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 76.8%, which translates to an impressive annualized growth rate of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year downturn, Hungary's exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have resumed growth. In 2021, exports totaled 92.4 thousand tonnes, up 15.7% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 79.8 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets—Slovakia, the Netherlands, and Romania—collectively accounted for 68.6% of Hungary's total exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of contraction, Hungary's export value of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has turned positive. In 2021, exports stood at 153.0 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 19.0% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 128.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.9% during this period.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Romania, and the Netherlands emerged as the primary destinations for Hungary's exports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Slovakia led with 34.4% of export value, followed by Romania at 11.1% and the Netherlands at 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 55.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Hungary's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard reached 116.0 thousand tonnes, up 16.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 29.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, when imports fell by 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Austria, Romania, and Slovakia were the main sources for Hungary's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Austria accounted for 23.5% of imports, Romania for 17.2%, and Slovakia for 14.4%. Collectively, these three countries supplied 55.1% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's import value of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 182.8 million US dollars, showing a solid 11.8% gain compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 17.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 154.1 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.2% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Austria, and Poland consistently served as the main sources for Hungary's imports of cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. Germany contributed 22.5% of import value, Austria 18.6%, and Poland 12.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021