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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for corrugated paperboard cartons and boxes in Slovakia began the period with significant domestic producers like Eco-Pack, Grafobal, and PRESSKARTON active in the sector, focusing on eco-friendly materials and customized solutions. Market volume stood at 163.7 thousand tons in 2018. The following year, volume dipped to 155.9 thousand tons, coinciding with the introduction of environmental legislation, including a ban on certain single-use plastics and a new deposit system for beverage packaging, which laid the groundwork for future demand shifts.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a sharp increase in demand for packaging, particularly from the e-commerce sector, driving market volume up to 170.5 thousand tons. This growth momentum continued into 2021, with volume reaching 189.2 thousand tons, supported by sustained expansion in online retail and consumer preference for recyclable packaging. Growth peaked in 2022 at 198.0 thousand tons, though it moderated as the market faced substantial price increases for raw materials and energy—by 10-50% from May 2022—and supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

After the 2022 peak, market volume contracted to 187.5 thousand tons in 2023, before a slight recovery to 189.5 thousand tons in 2024.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Slovakia, the production value of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 143.9 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.9%, which translates to an average annual increase of 2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 154.1 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.6%. The most significant increase was also in 2018, with a rise of 14.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Slovakia's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 120.0 thousand tonnes, up by 1.3% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Slovakia's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, exports totaled 48 030 tonnes, representing a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 49 119 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 7.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary and Czechia were the main buyers of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Slovakia, together accounting for 82.6% of total exports in volume. Other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 58.2 million US dollars, down by 1.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 23.7%, equating to an average annual increase of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 59.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 27.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Slovakia's exports in value terms were Hungary, with 55.6% of the total, Czechia at 22.3%, and Poland at 9.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 87.4% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Slovakia's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 98 511 tonnes, showing a strong increase of 13.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 86 584 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Czechia, and Poland consistently led as the top sources for Slovakia's imports in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 33.7% of imports, Czechia for 30.5%, and Poland for 18.9%, together making up 83.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Slovakia imported cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard worth 133.6 million US dollars, indicating a rise of 5.5% from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 1.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Czechia, and Poland held the largest shares of Slovakia's imports in value terms. Hungary contributed 28.3%, Czechia 27.4%, and Poland 15.9%, collectively comprising 71.6% of total import flows.

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

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