Corrugated paper and paperboard market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Dutch corrugated paper and paperboard market volume remained stable around 208-210 thousand tons. Strong demand for virgin fiber board supported prices, while the industry increasingly adopted sustainable packaging solutions like grass fiber-based materials. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 sharply increased online shopping, driving demand for corrugated packaging and lifting market volume to 221 thousand tons.

Market volume surged to a peak of 267 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was driven by a paper pulp shortage from transport disruptions and sustained high e-commerce demand, alongside increased consumption in the food and DIY sectors. Pressure from European board overcapacity and declining waste paper yields, compounded by the war in Ukraine's impact on raw materials, led to a slight contraction to 264 thousand tons in 2022. Volume then fell sharply to 218 thousand tons in 2023, as high inventories and reduced demand contributed to a 13% production drop across Europe's pulp and paper industry.

In 2024, the market rebounded to 259 thousand tons. This recovery occurred alongside stabilizing paper and board prices and the entry into force of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which heightened focus on sustainability and recycling, encouraging circular procurement and innovation in alternative raw materials such as grass fibers.

Production corrugated paper and paperboard in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Corrugated paper and paperboard production in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 218.6 million US dollars, showing a moderate advance of 7.9% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 7.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 190.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.9% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

The Netherlands' corrugated paper and paperboard production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 188.8 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a robust increase of 13.9% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 22.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 150.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 2.0% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports corrugated paper and paperboard from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year gain, the Netherlands' volume of corrugated paper and paperboard exports declined. In 2021, the country exported 15 173 tonnes, marking a strong drop of 23.3% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 4.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 19 780 tonnes, with the largest increase of 17.6% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Belgium, Germany, and France—together accounted for 82.6% of total exports in kind of corrugated paper and paperboard from the Netherlands.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year gain, corrugated paper and paperboard exports in the Netherlands declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 38.6 million US dollars, marking a fall of 2.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2018-2021, exports increased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 39.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 9.4% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and France stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms, accounting for 42.1%, 27.1%, and 9.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 79.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports corrugated paper and paperboard to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Corrugated paper and paperboard shipments to the Netherlands from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 93 386 tonnes, up by 24.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 30.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the country structure of imports in kind was dominated by Germany, which accounted for 73.4% of total flows, while other destinations were relatively small.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, corrugated paper and paperboard deliveries to the Netherlands increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 114.5 million US dollars, up by 53.7% year-over-year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports increased by 43.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 74.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.6% occurring in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom headed the ranking of suppliers of corrugated paper and paperboard to the Netherlands, accounting for 65.6%, 12.0%, and 7.4% of imports in value terms, respectively. Their combined share reached 85.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021