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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes in Romania demonstrated steady volume around 294–297 thousand tons from 2018 to 2020. This stability was underpinned by the formalization of the local industry through the establishment of the Association of Corrugated Cardboard Packaging Producers (APACOR) in 2018 and continuously growing demand from the e-commerce sector. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 acted as a significant accelerator, as lockdowns and a surge in online shopping created a major spike in demand for delivery packaging, while simultaneous supply chain disruptions and the closure of some smaller European plants contributed to rising prices.

In 2021, the market volume expanded markedly to 347.3 thousand tons. The prolonged effects of the pandemic continued to drive consumption, particularly for small parcels and home deliveries. Concurrently, a global supply chain crisis exerted pressure on material availability and logistics costs, influencing the market's value, which rose to $399.6 million. The industry also saw an increased focus on recycling rates, supporting its sustainable development.

For the period 2022 to 2024, while specific market volume data is not available, trade flows indicate ongoing market activity. Imports and exports remained substantial, though they gradually adjusted from earlier peaks. The sector navigated new challenges including the impact of the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, which affected supply chains and production costs. During this time, continued investment in modern production technologies and a strong industry shift towards sustainable and biodegradable packaging solutions shaped the market's evolution.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, measured in monetary terms, declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 317.3 million US dollars, representing a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 333.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Romania's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, measured in physical terms, increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 308.8 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a 1.3% rise compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 300.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, also at 1.3%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Romania

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Romania's export volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard stood at 43 868 tonnes, showing only a marginal change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 30.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 794 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 32.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for Romania's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, in physical terms, were Hungary with 33.8% of exports, Bulgaria with 22.2%, and Moldova with 7.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's export value of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 46 954 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 4.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 20.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 49 173 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 26.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Romania's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, in value terms, were Hungary with 28.7% of exports, Bulgaria with 17.8%, and France with 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 54.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's import volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 32 249 tonnes, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 39 084 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 23.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 16.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest sources for Romania's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, in physical terms, were Italy, Hungary, and Germany. Together, they accounted for 72.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's import value of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 57 357 thousand US dollars, which is 2.1% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 67 824 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 36.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Romania's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, in value terms, were Italy with 29.2% of imports, Hungary with 25.1%, and Germany with 17.9%. Combined, these three countries comprised 72.2% of total import value.

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

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