Folding paperboard boxes market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the market for folding paperboard boxes in Finland underwent notable changes in both volume and value. The market value declined from 98.6 million dollars in 2018 to 81.9 million dollars in 2020, then recovered to approximately 90.5 million dollars by 2024. In physical terms, market volume contracted substantially from 39 814 tonnes in 2018 to 27 350 tonnes in 2023.

By 2023, the industry was consolidating with fewer businesses, while major producers like Stora Enso converted paper mills to paperboard production, reflecting a strategic shift towards packaging materials. This move towards paperboard, including folding boxboard, supported market value growth that year even as volume fell, indicating a focus on higher-value segments within the market.

The introduction of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility regulations in January 2024 required all packaging manufacturers to register and meet stricter recycling targets, directly increasing demand for compliant folding boxboard. This regulatory push, alongside significant capacity expansions such as Stora Enso's new consumer board line at its Oulu mill, helped stabilize the market value in 2024 despite broader economic pressures like inflation and cautious consumer spending.

Production folding paperboard boxes in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Finland's production of folding paperboard boxes was valued at 38 434 thousand US dollars, representing a 20.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.6%. The highest production value was recorded in 2019 at 48 193 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports folding paperboard boxes from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 29 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 2 219 tonnes in 2020, marking a dramatic 77-fold increase. This represents a 7,552.4% rise compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 96.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland's exports of folding paperboard boxes in kind were distributed across numerous countries. The top three destinations—Sweden (14.6% of exports in kind), China (14.0%), and Estonia (9.9%)—collectively accounted for only 38.5% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum export value was recorded in 2018 at 3 927 thousand US dollars, while the maximum reached 6 938 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 1.8-fold variation. In 2020, exports increased sharply by 72.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 27.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland supplied folding paperboard boxes to a wide range of markets. The top three destinations by value—Sweden (19.9% of exports in value terms), Estonia (17.0%), and the United Kingdom (11.9%)—together accounted for 48.9% of total export value. The remaining 51.1% was distributed among many smaller markets.

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

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

Imports folding paperboard boxes to Finland

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes hit their lowest point in 2019 at 9 990 tonnes, then peaked in 2018 at 21 818 tonnes, showing a 2.2-fold fluctuation. In 2020, imports reached 20 602 tonnes, marking a significant increase of 106.2% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 54.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Denmark (21.3% of imports in kind), Russia (19.1%), and Germany (18.2%) were the key partners for Finland's imports of folding paperboard boxes in kind, together accounting for 58.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 46 387 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 56 364 thousand US dollars. In 2020, imports stood at [value_last_year] thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate uptick of 8.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 17.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 14.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark (20.7% of imports in value terms), Germany (20.3%), and Russia (15.4%) consistently remained the main sources for Finland's imports of folding paperboard boxes in value terms, together accounting for 56.3% of total import value.

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

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