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

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish market for corrugated paperboard boxes experienced a general decline in volume from 445 thousand tons in 2018 to 379 thousand tons in 2024, with the peak observed in the first year. A sharp contraction occurred in 2023, when high energy costs across Europe significantly reduced paper and board production, directly impacting the supply of corrugated materials and contributing to the market's 11% drop that year.

Regulatory measures played a growing role, beginning with the 2022 Producer Responsibility Ordinance for Packaging, which set future targets for material recycling. This was followed by new rules in November 2023 requiring producers to work with approved responsibility organizations. By 2024, the EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), mandating higher recyclability, came into force, steering the market towards sustainability and innovation in cardboard design.

Production corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 584.8 million US dollars, marking a 4.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 650.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 8.8%. Conversely, the most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 6.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweden's production of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 373.5 thousand tonnes, showing a modest contraction of 3.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 423.0 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 9.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the steepest decline of 8.8%.

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

Exports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden exported 44 662 tonnes of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard, representing a 2.1% increase over the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 43 732 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 45 911 tonnes.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland were the top destinations for Sweden's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard. Norway accounted for 42.5% of exports in kind, Denmark for 18.9%, and Finland for 10.1%. Together, these three countries made up 71.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's exports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 98.9 million US dollars, a 3.9% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The peak export value was in 2018 at 105.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland remained the principal buyers of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard from Sweden in value terms. Norway accounted for 39.9% of exports, Denmark for 16.6%, and Finland for 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 64.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports corrugated or paperboard cartons, boxes and cases to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 86 404 tonnes, reflecting a 12.4% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 35.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and Denmark were the main suppliers of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard to Sweden. Poland accounted for 49.9% of imports in kind, Germany for 11.2%, and Denmark for 9.3%. Together, these three countries comprised 70.4% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 131.4 million US dollars, marking a notable 13.2% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 42.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and Denmark formed the core of Sweden's imports in value terms for cartons, boxes, and cases made from corrugated paper or paperboard. Poland accounted for 42.7% of imports, Germany for 13.5%, and Denmark for 11.0%. Collectively, these three countries took 67.1% of total import flows.

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

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