Fibreboard market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The fibreboard market volume in Northern Europe showed considerable variability between 2018 and 2023. It expanded to over 10 million cubic meters in 2019, contracted the following year, and recovered in 2021. A sharp downturn then reduced the market to around 6.4 million cubic meters in 2022, with a slight further decrease to 6.1 million cubic meters in 2023.

By 2024, broader industry trends were shaping the market. Demand for medium density fibreboard continued to be driven by residential and commercial construction, furniture, and interior decoration sectors. Technological advancements improved production efficiency, while a growing regulatory focus on low-formaldehyde and eco-friendly boards influenced product development and consumer preferences. Key global players like Kronospan and Egger maintained their strong presence, investing in recycling and sustainability initiatives.

Global supply chain disruptions and freight delays also impacted market dynamics during this period. The market saw new production facilities launch in Asia and Europe, contributing to capacity and sustainability trends, alongside sustained consumer demand for affordable and customizable furniture.

Production fibreboard in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of fibreboard, 2017-2020

World map of production of fibreboard, 2017-2020

Northern Europe's fibreboard production saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 1 620 K m³, representing a 2.1% increase. However, in 2020, production fell to 1 543 K m³, marking a modest decline of 4.8% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports fibreboard from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, K m³

Northern Europe's fibreboard exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 266 K m³, showing a solid decrease of 10.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 78%, with a compound annual growth rate of -39.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Northern Europe's fibreboard exports had a broad portfolio of buyers. The Netherlands accounted for 12.5% of exports in kind, Belgium for 4.6%, and Germany for 4.4%, together making up 21.5% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Europe's fibreboard exports in value terms totalled 437 M $ US, reflecting a modest rise of 5.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.6%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 4.0%.

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

The structure of Northern Europe's fibreboard exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Norway contributed 12.2% of exports, the Netherlands 6.0%, and Germany 3.1%, together accounting for 21.4% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports fibreboard to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, K m³

After a two-year gain, Northern Europe's fibreboard imports in volume declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 9 976 K m³, with the largest increase of 27.8% recorded that year. In 2020, imports fell to 8 306 K m³, representing a robust loss of 16.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports overall increased by 34.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Poland were the key partners for Northern Europe's fibreboard imports in kind. Germany accounted for 47.5% of imports, Belgium for 8.8%, and Poland for 7.1%, together making up 63.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern Europe imported 1 091 M $ US of fibreboard in value terms, marking a small rise of 2.4% relative to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 102 M $ US, with the largest increase of 5.5% that year and the largest decline of 3.3% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Belgium were the main markets for Northern Europe's fibreboard imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 26.1% of imports, Poland for 13.9%, and Belgium for 13.7%, together contributing 53.6% of total flows.

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

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