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

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for folding cartons, boxes and cases in the Netherlands stood at 232.9 thousand tons, supported by strong demand from e-commerce growth and the introduction of sustainable packaging solutions by new players such as Smurfit Kappa, Mondi Group, and DS Smith. By 2019, the market volume had decreased to 217.1 thousand tons, while the country's largest carton factory in De Lier was producing around 2.5 million packages daily, indicating substantial production capacity. The market then contracted sharply to 154.6 thousand tons in 2020, largely due to high energy prices and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made production more costly.

After 2020, the industry adapted to changing conditions. Demand for carton packaging continued to be fueled by e-commerce growth, while innovations such as water- and grease-repellent treatments met evolving consumer needs. In 2022, paper and carton prices rose due to a shortage of recycled paper crucial for production, but by 2023 prices began to ease amid high inventories. A focus on sustainability and circular economy remained central, with paper and carton production recovering by 5.2% in 2024 despite persistently high energy costs influencing the cost structure.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, the Netherlands produced folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard valued at 503.4 million US dollars. This marked a moderate decline of 4.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 3.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 526.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 0.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 325.4 thousand tonnes of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard. This represents a significant decrease of 15.9% compared to the previous year. Over the three-year span from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%. The highest output was in 2019 at 386.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%.

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

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

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, exports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from the Netherlands reached 321.3 thousand tonnes. This reflects a modest increase of 1.7% compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 326.6 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 3.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 18.6% of exports in kind, Belgium for 16.3%, and the United Kingdom for 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up just 44.7% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution among other markets.

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

Exports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard from the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value stood at 674.8 million US dollars, showing a notable rise of 12.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 23%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 highlights a diversified set of trading partners. Germany contributed 21.9% of exports in value terms, Belgium 15.8%, and France 8.3%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 46.0% of total flows, while the remaining 54.0% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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 folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard into the Netherlands amounted to 165.0 thousand tonnes. This represents a strong advance of 13.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 145.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and France remained the top suppliers of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 43.1% of imports in kind, Belgium for 35.8%, and France for 4.5%. Together, these three countries dominated the market, taking 83.4% of total imports in kind.

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

Imports of folding cartons, boxes, and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard into the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value reached 352.0 million US dollars, reflecting a significant advance of 33.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 262.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 0.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Belgium, and China were the leading sources in the import structure in value terms. Germany accounted for 32.5% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 31.9%, and China for 7.1%. Combined, these three countries held a 71.5% share of total import flows.

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

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