Folding paperboard boxes market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for folding paperboard boxes in Estonia expanded significantly from 5.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 20.6 thousand tons in 2024. Growth was moderate initially, then accelerated sharply between 2021 and 2022. A contraction occurred in 2023, coinciding with the war in Ukraine which drove up prices for key production inputs like grains, soy, and energy, increasing costs and dampening market activity. The market rebounded strongly in 2024, surging to 20.6 thousand tons.

Early in the period, Estonian industrial firms focused on optimizing production processes and improving resource efficiency in paper-based packaging manufacturing. This was supported by the national energy development plan aiming to increase renewable energy share, helping to manage long-term production costs. Toward the end of the period, impending regulatory changes became a key driver. Stricter industrial regulations and new packaging legislation, including the Packaging Act amendments requiring barcode registration and deposit markings from 2025, stimulated market preparation. Concurrent advances in automation and robotics, emphasizing production flexibility and quality, further supported the market's capacity and contributed to the significant volume increase in 2024.

Production folding paperboard boxes in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Production of folding paperboard boxes in Estonia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output value reached 36 719 thousand US dollars, marking a 20.7% year-on-year rise. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 52.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's production of folding paperboard boxes has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 24 799 tonnes, an 18.8% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production expanded by 55.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports folding paperboard boxes from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of folding paperboard boxes from Estonia have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Estonia shipped 20 235 tonnes abroad, a 14.2% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 44.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark were the main markets for Estonia's exports in kind. Sweden accounted for 28.8% of exports, Finland for 19.2%, and Denmark for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented 55.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's exports of folding paperboard boxes in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 28 775 thousand US dollars, up 23.2% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 41.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 242 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 0.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland were the leading markets for Estonia's exports in value terms. Sweden contributed 26.2% of exports, Finland 25.4%, and Iceland 8.1%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 59.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports folding paperboard boxes to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of folding paperboard boxes into Estonia showed notable fluctuations during the period. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 3 551 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 7.3%. By 2021, imports had increased to 6 553 tonnes, an 83.2% rise from 2020, resulting in a 1.8-fold difference between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2021.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland were the core suppliers for Estonia's imports in kind. Lithuania accounted for 30.4% of imports, Latvia for 20.2%, and Finland for 15.6%. Together, these three markets represented 66.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of folding paperboard boxes into Estonia in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 15 292 thousand US dollars, a 36.1% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 11 155 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 11.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland were the primary suppliers of folding paperboard boxes to Estonia in value terms. Lithuania contributed 26.0% of imports, Latvia 21.8%, and Finland 14.1%. Jointly, these countries accounted for 61.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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