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

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for corrugated paperboard boxes saw its volume grow from 356 thousand tons in 2018 to 394 thousand tons in 2019, even as its value declined from 474 million US dollars to 415 million US dollars. This expansion in physical terms was supported by the entry of new producers like DAP – Embalagens Unipessoal Lda and a growing industry focus on sustainable, recyclable materials and customized designs, which broadened product offerings and stimulated demand. However, increased competition and a wider supply of different box types, including single, double, and triple-channel variants for specific strength needs, placed downward pressure on average prices, explaining the divergence between volume and value growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated e-commerce in Portugal, sustaining demand for durable and sustainable shipping packaging. While temporary supply chain factors contributed to a slight market volume dip to 380 thousand tons, the shift toward online retail and concurrent investments in technological innovations, such as smart packaging with NFC or QR codes, added value and helped drive the market's monetary size up by 10% to 457 million US dollars. By 2021, heightened investment in local production capacity and stricter EU environmental regulations spurred a clear recovery, pushing market volume to 407 thousand tons and value to 551 million US dollars as manufacturers adapted to meet demand for eco-friendly and recyclable solutions.

In 2022, the global packaging group Mondi announced a major 280 million euro investment to increase its production of corrugated board, signaling continued confidence and potential for greater supply within Portugal. Market dynamics continued to be shaped by strong sustainability trends, with certifications like FSC and quality standards such as AFCO and RESY gaining importance, alongside the persistent growth of e-commerce requiring efficient and protective packaging.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output value reached 522.9 million US dollars, marking a substantial 21.4% rise compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 15.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 388.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 14.4% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Portugal produced 379.8 thousand tonnes of cartons, boxes, and cases from corrugated paper or paperboard, representing a 5.0% increase over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 10.3%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 3.9%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have increased after a two-year decline. In 2021, exports amounted to 24 539 tonnes, showing a moderate 3.3% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 27.8%, with an average annual decline of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 23 759 tonnes, and the largest drop of 22.3% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain consistently accounted for 76.1% of Portugal's total exports in volume, highlighting a high concentration on this market, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have rebounded after a two-year fall. In 2021, export value totaled 49 498 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 41.0% improvement over 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 2.1%, with an average annual decline of 0.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 35 107 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline of 26.1% took place in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Spain, Angola, and the United Kingdom—collectively absorbed 76.2% of Portugal's total export value for cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have increased following a two-year drop. In 2021, imports reached 51 597 tonnes, indicating a strong 22.2% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 5.1%, with an average annual increase of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 42 213 tonnes, and the largest decline of 9.7% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, nearly all imports in volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard to Portugal were linked to Spain, which held a 92.6% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have risen after a two-year decline. In 2021, imports were approximately 77 436 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 25.4% advance over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 61 736 thousand US dollars, and the largest drop of 10.1% took place in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's import partner structure in value terms, accounting for 85.9% of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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