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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for folding cartons in Spain expanded from 764 million dollars in 2018 to a peak of 1 092 million dollars in 2022, before contracting to 923 million dollars in 2023 and recovering to 1 022 million dollars in 2024. The initial growth phase through 2021 saw the market value increase by over 40%, setting the stage for the regulatory and demand shifts that followed.

The market's rise in 2022 was directly supported by the approval of comprehensive waste reduction legislation in April, which promoted reusable and recyclable packaging and boosted demand for sustainable paper-based solutions. Concurrently, growing demand from the domestic food and pharmaceutical sectors provided a steady driver for carton consumption. After a market contraction in 2023, growth resumed in 2024, fueled by the continued influence of environmental regulation and sustained demand from these key consuming industries.

Throughout the period, the market adapted to trends like packaging personalization and the adoption of digital printing, enabling producers to meet e-commerce and marketing needs. Major players, including Smurfit Kappa, expanded their operational footprint through acquisitions, while innovation focused on lighter, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly materials to address raw material price volatility and supply chain pressures.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Production of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in Spain has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output value stood at 838.7 million US dollars, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After a two-year rise, Spain's production volume of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard declined. In 2020, 424.5 thousand tonnes were produced, which is 5.7% less than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 7.8%, with a CAGR of 2.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 450.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 11.7% also occurring that year.

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

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

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain exported 89.3 thousand tonnes of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard, marking a 3.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 10.4%, with a CAGR of 3.3%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 119.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 47.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 27.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the leading destinations for Spain's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. France accounted for 58.9% of exports, Portugal for 7.5%, and Morocco for 4.8%. Together, these three countries represented 71.2% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard were valued at 197.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 23.7%, with a CAGR of 7.3%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 3.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 21.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco played the leading roles in Spain's exports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in value terms. France accounted for 57.6% of export value, Portugal for 7.2%, and Morocco for 5.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 69.8% of total export flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 93.0 thousand tonnes, which is 13.4% higher than in the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 28.3%, with a CAGR of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Portugal, and France led the structure of Spain's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard in volume terms. Germany accounted for 34.4% of imports, Portugal for 22.3%, and France for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% 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, M $ US

Spain's imports of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the import value totalled 197.4 million US dollars, marking a 10.7% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.5%, with a CAGR of 2.4%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 177.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 3.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Portugal, and France were the top suppliers of folding cartons, boxes and cases made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard to Spain in value terms. Germany accounted for 40.9% of import value, Portugal for 14.6%, and France for 10.6%. Their combined share reached 66.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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