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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Spanish corrugated boxes market volume increased steadily from 2.8 million tons to 2.9 million tons. This growth was primarily fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce in Spain, which raised demand for shipping and packaging boxes. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated this trend as lockdowns boosted online shopping and home delivery of goods. During this period, local manufacturers invested in automated production lines, such as PROCARTON's installation of large-format box lines, enhancing production efficiency to meet rising demand.

The market surged in 2021, reaching 3.9 million tons—a 34% year-on-year increase. This jump was driven by significant capacity investments, including Mondi's announced expansion in corrugated packaging, and by regulatory policies phasing out single-use plastics, which shifted preference toward cardboard. In 2022, volume edged up to 4.0 million tons, though rising raw material and energy costs due to global supply chain disruptions squeezed producers' margins. The following year, volume contracted by 5% to 3.8 million tons, reflecting a market adjustment after the prior boom.

In 2024, the market rebounded strongly to 4.8 million tons, a 27% rise. This recovery was supported by stricter European regulations on packaging labeling and traceability, which spurred demand for compliant corrugated solutions, and by continued investments in advanced machinery and sustainable production processes.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 3,360 million US dollars, marking a 2.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3,522 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, Spain's production volume of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased. In 2020, 3,061 thousand tonnes were produced, up by 1.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3,011 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 11.9% decrease.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard reached 206.6 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 6.3% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The peak was in 2018 at 228.4 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 18.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the main buyers of Spain's cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard in terms of volume. France accounted for 38.7% of exports, Portugal for 34.8%, and Morocco for 7.7%, collectively making up 81.2% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 286.8 million US dollars, representing a limited rise of 5.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the principal destinations for Spain's exports in value terms. France led with 42.9% of exports, followed by Portugal at 25.1%, and Morocco at 7.4%, together accounting for 75.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 49.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a robust uptick of 21.2% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 126.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 31.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Italy, and France were the key partners for Spain's imports in terms of volume. Portugal accounted for 32.1% of imports, Italy for 27.8%, and France for 14.4%, collectively comprising 74.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Spain's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, imports stood at 75.9 million US dollars, down by 1.4% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 32.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 10.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 76.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 22.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Italy accounted for the largest share of Spain's imports in value terms. France represented 25.4% of imports, Germany 20.0%, and Italy 14.4%, together making up 59.8% of total import value.

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

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