Corrugated paper and paperboard market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market for corrugated paper and paperboard in Spain showed moderate fluctuations between 2018 and 2020. Market volume in physical terms dipped slightly from 930 K t in 2018 to 921 K t in 2019, before rising to 1 080 K t in 2020. A similar pattern was observed in market value, which declined from $821 M US to $772 M US and then recovered to $778 M US over the same period.

A significant expansion occurred in 2021, with market volume reaching 1 153 K t and value jumping to $1 086 M US. This surge was primarily driven by sustained demand during the pandemic, particularly from the food industry, agricultural products, and beverages, which are the core consumers of corrugated packaging. The sector's essential role and ongoing investments in R&D supported growth despite concurrent challenges like raw material shortages and rising energy costs.

In 2022, the market volume contracted to 997 K t, though its value stabilized at $1 085 M US. The decline in production was linked to a 10% drop in agricultural exports and a 13% fall in domestic consumption of fruits and vegetables, key end-users of corrugated board. Beyond this period, the industry has maintained its focus on sustainability and circular economy principles, characterized by high recycling rates and continuous innovation in efficient packaging solutions.

Production corrugated paper and paperboard in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's output of corrugated paper and paperboard was valued at 794.2 million US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 838.3 million US dollars, which marked a significant increase of 13.0%. However, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 6.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 1,100 thousand tonnes of corrugated paper and paperboard, which is 18.0% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 17.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 932 thousand tonnes, representing the largest decline of 1.6% during this period.

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

Exports corrugated paper and paperboard from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Exports reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Spain exported 28,924 tonnes of corrugated paper and paperboard, up by 73.9% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 25.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Mauritania, and Portugal were the key destinations for Spain's exports in kind. France accounted for 63.0% of exports, Mauritania for 16.7%, and Portugal for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 90.8% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of corrugated paper and paperboard reached 25,332 thousand US dollars, marking a steep uptick of 46.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 51.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 26.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France and Mauritania concentrated the majority of Spain's exports in value terms for corrugated paper and paperboard. Other markets played a less significant role during this period.

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 paper and paperboard to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Corrugated paper and paperboard imports into Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported 8,880 tonnes, up by 50.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5,628 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 25.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia formed the core group of markets for Spain's imports in kind. Germany accounted for 41.6% of imports, Italy for 29.4%, and Slovenia for 15.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 86.3% of total import flows.

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, K $ US

Foreign supplies of corrugated paper and paperboard to Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 8,987 thousand US dollars, representing a steep rise of 36.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 34.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 6,437 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia were the key partners for Spain's imports in value terms of corrugated paper and paperboard. Germany accounted for 34.6% of imports, Italy for 32.1%, and Slovenia for 12.5%. Together, these three countries jointly represented 79.2% of total import flows.

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

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