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

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for corrugated paperboard boxes showed initial stability, with market volume around 3.6 million tons in 2018 and 2019. This was underpinned by the strong food sector, which held a 62.1% market share, and the formal recognition of e-commerce as a growing segment. After a contraction to 3.3 million tons in 2020, the market recovered to 3.8 million tons in 2021.

A dramatic expansion followed in 2022, with market volume jumping to 5.6 million tons. This surge was primarily fueled by heightened demand from the e-commerce sector, whose share rose to 9.9%, and the resilient food industry, which accounted for 60.5% of the market. Significant investments in automation and new production capacity, alongside a consumer shift toward sustainable packaging made from recycled fibers, further drove this growth.

The market corrected in 2023, with volume falling to 4.8 million tons as production dropped by 4.8% and both imports and exports declined. This period was marked by decreasing prices for corrugated board raw materials. By 2024, the market volume had retreated further to 3.8 million tons, aligning closer to pre-surge levels.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the output value of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard in Italy reached its minimum at 4 097 million US dollars. The following year, in 2020, it remained nearly unchanged at 4 107 million US dollars. The peak value was recorded earlier, in 2018, at 4 604 million US dollars. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, at 10.3%, while the most significant decline was observed in 2019, at 11.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard in Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output amounted to 3 611 thousand tonnes, marking a modest decrease of 6.9% compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018, at 3 888 thousand tonnes, which saw a slight increase of 0.1% that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.4%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard from Italy declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 314.4 thousand tonnes, showing a small decrease of 2.9% from 2019. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018, at 327.4 thousand tonnes, which saw an increase of 8.6% that year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 4.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard from Italy were exported to a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—France (22.7% of exports in kind), Germany (16.4%), and Switzerland (5.4%)—together accounted for 44.6% of total exports. The remaining 55.4% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard from Italy fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 429.7 million US dollars, representing a decrease of 2.7% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018, at 458.7 million US dollars, which saw a significant increase of 17.4% that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.7%. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports increased by 9.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard from Italy showed a broad distribution across markets. The leading destinations—France (23.2% of exports in value terms), Germany (15.0%), and Switzerland (7.2%)—together made up 45.4% of total exports, with the rest spread across various other countries.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard into Italy experienced notable fluctuations. In 2019, imports peaked at 77.4 thousand tonnes, with a substantial increase of 167.3% that year. However, in 2020, imports dropped sharply to 28.4 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sudden decrease of 63.4% compared to 2019. This resulted in a 2.7-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard to Italy were not heavily concentrated. The top three suppliers—Germany (19.1% of imports in kind), Austria (18.4%), and France (9.0%)—together accounted for 46.6% of total imports, indicating a diverse range of sources.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard into Italy showed irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 158.4 million US dollars, with a sharp increase of 143.7% that year. In 2020, imports fell to 64.1 million US dollars, marking a sudden reduction of 59.5% year-on-year. This created a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.5 times between 2019 and 2020.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, imports in value terms of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard to Italy were widely dispersed across partner countries. The leading suppliers—Germany (17.5% of imports in value terms), Austria (13.7%), and China (10.6%)—together represented 41.8% of total imports, with the remainder coming from a variety of other nations.

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

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