Folding paperboard boxes market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the production volume of folding paperboard boxes in Romania declined from 129.7 thousand tons to 94.8 thousand tons, while the physical market size contracted from 144.5 thousand tons to 112.1 thousand tons. In value terms, however, the market remained stable at around $216 million, signaling a shift toward higher-value products. This transition was underpinned by the entry of new local producers offering modern, customized packaging solutions and a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly boxes with 60–90% recycled content. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further amplified demand for safe, personalized packaging tailored for e-commerce and deliveries, supporting the segment's development despite the overall volume drop.

From 2021 onward, the trade value of folding paperboard boxes showed consistent growth. Import value rose from $158.8 million in 2021 to $185.5 million in 2024, while export value increased from $65.6 million to $100.6 million over the same period. This rise in unit value was driven by investments in flexible production technologies capable of manufacturing complex, customized boxes, and by the strengthening of major local players like Megacart and EVOBOX, which launched innovative e-commerce packaging solutions. Global increases in raw material and energy costs in 2022 also contributed to higher price levels across the market.

Production folding paperboard boxes in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's production of folding paperboard boxes in monetary terms showed a recovery in 2020 after two years of decline. Output was valued at 123.2 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 6.7% compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest point was in 2019, with production at 115.5 million US dollars, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, when output decreased by 12.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In physical terms, Romania's production of folding paperboard boxes continued to decline for the third consecutive year in 2020. Output reached 94.8 thousand tonnes, representing a slight decrease of 2.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production plummeted by 58.4%, averaging an annual decline of 25.3%.

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

Exports folding paperboard boxes from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of folding paperboard boxes in physical terms rose to 26,391 tonnes in 2020, up by 23.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 50.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%. The largest decrease was in 2019, at 5.1%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 28.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's exports of folding paperboard boxes in physical terms were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. France accounted for 17.1% of exports, Poland for 16.1%, and Germany for 9.7%, with these three countries together making up 43.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In monetary terms, Romania's exports of folding paperboard boxes reached 48.7 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting a solid increase of 15.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 2.8%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with growth of 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania's exports of folding paperboard boxes in value terms were spread across a broad portfolio of buyers. France contributed 14.6% of export value, Poland 10.9%, and Bulgaria 10.7%, with these three countries together accounting for 36.2% of total export value. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports folding paperboard boxes to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of folding paperboard boxes in physical terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, totalling 43,711 tonnes, which was a marginal rise of 0.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 5.2%, averaging an annual increase of 1.7%. The lowest level was in 2018, at 37,397 tonnes, when imports fell by 10.0%. In contrast, the largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 16.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, three key markets—Germany, Poland, and Italy—collectively represented 55.8% of Romania's total imports of folding paperboard boxes in physical terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In monetary terms, Romania's imports of folding paperboard boxes amounted to 141.4 million US dollars in 2020, showing a slight decline of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports increased by 7.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The minimum value was in 2018, at 129.7 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2019, at 144.0 million US dollars, when imports rose by 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Austria were the main sources for Romania's imports of folding paperboard boxes in value terms. Germany accounted for 25.3% of import value, Poland for 21.1%, and Austria for 13.3%, with these three countries together absorbing 59.8% of total import value.

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

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