Folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Portuguese market for folding cartons expanded from 133.9 thousand tonnes to 163.0 thousand tonnes. This growth was initially supported by a rising focus on recyclable and FSC®-certified packaging, alongside continuous innovation in flexible and customized solutions from established players. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased demand for packaging used in e-commerce and essential goods distribution, helping to limit the market's decline. A significant boost came in 2021 with the entry of new competitors specializing in eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging, coupled with investments in technology for producing personalized solutions, which together drove a sharp expansion in market volume.

Following this period, market volume continued to rise, reaching 175.9 thousand tonnes in 2023. However, it experienced a pronounced contraction to 104.1 thousand tonnes in 2024. In value terms, the market demonstrated greater resilience, with the value dipping only slightly from 245.5 million US dollars in 2023 to 235.2 million in 2024, indicating potential shifts in product mix or underlying pricing dynamics within the sector.

Production folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Portugal has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 236.7 million US dollars, marking a 25.8% year-over-year rise. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 171.3 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 1.1%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 36.6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 11.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Portugal has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output amounted to 162.5 thousand tonnes, reflecting a strong year-over-year increase of 22.4%. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 25.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

Exports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Portugal have rebounded. In 2021, exports totaled 32 227 tonnes, up 13.5% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 28 394 tonnes, following a decline of 8.9% in 2019. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for Portugal's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard were Spain, accounting for 56.0% of exports in kind, France with 17.2%, and Angola at 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented 77.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year downturn, the value of exported folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Portugal has increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 89 373 thousand US dollars, rising 36.9% year-over-year. The lowest export value was recorded in 2020 at 65 280 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 7.4%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the primary buyers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard from Portugal in value terms were Spain, accounting for 49.4% of exports, France with 25.0%, and Angola at 3.8%. Collectively, these three markets represented 78.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal imported 32 726 tonnes of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard, a 2.5% increase compared to 2020. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 36 443 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2020 at 31 940 tonnes, which saw a decline of 12.4%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 8.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in kind, accounting for 76.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard totaled 63 363 thousand US dollars, an 11.3% increase from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 64 720 thousand US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 56 919 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the primary suppliers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Portugal in value terms were Spain, accounting for 62.0% of imports, Germany with 16.1%, and the Netherlands at 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 84.9% of total import value.

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

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