Folding paperboard boxes market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2020 to 2023, the Swedish folding paperboard box market showed variable trends in volume and value. Measured in physical terms, market volume reached 157.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, saw a slight stabilization at 155.7 thousand tonnes in 2021, grew to 160.5 thousand tonnes in 2022, and then fell to 148.5 thousand tonnes in 2023. In monetary value, the market expanded from $329.1 million in 2020 to $361.9 million in 2021, held steady at $359.2 million in 2022, and contracted to $333.4 million in 2023.

The downturn in 2023 initiated a period of decline that continued into the broader composite paperboard market. This shift occurred after prior growth and reflects adjustments in production and consumption. The Scandinavian folding boxboard segment is structured around large, integrated pulp and paper manufacturers with significant mill assets, indicating a mature and concentrated market that influences overall supply dynamics.

Sustainability mandates and regulatory changes in Scandinavia have become central drivers, emphasizing eco-friendly packaging and affecting consumer preferences as well as demand from premium sectors like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. These factors promote advancements in manufacturing technologies and materials, shaping the market's direction toward higher environmental standards.

Production folding paperboard boxes in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Exports folding paperboard boxes from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of folding paperboard boxes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 23 383 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 6.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 25 272 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 5.7% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, at 0.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Ireland, and Germany were consistently the main destinations for Sweden's folding paperboard box exports by volume. Norway accounted for 35.2% of exports, Ireland for 16.8%, and Germany for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 62.4% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's exports of folding paperboard boxes in monetary terms also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 73.2 million US dollars, which was 1.0% lower than the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 80.1 million US dollars. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019, with a 7.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 8.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway, Ireland, and Denmark were the primary destinations for Sweden's folding paperboard box exports in value terms. Norway contributed 23.7% of export value, Ireland 22.9%, and Denmark 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries made up 59.3% of total export flows during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports folding paperboard boxes to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of folding paperboard boxes by volume declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 43 734 tonnes, reflecting a significant decrease of 12.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 52 628 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 7.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany were the largest suppliers of folding paperboard boxes to Sweden by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 27.2% of imports, Denmark for 24.2%, and Germany for 12.5%. Together, these three countries constituted 63.9% of total import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of folding paperboard boxes in monetary terms increased in 2020, reaching 104.9 million US dollars, which was 12.4% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 15.2%, with an average annual increase of 4.8%. The most notable decline was recorded in 2019, with a 3.2% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Sweden's folding paperboard box imports in value terms. Denmark represented 30.4% of import value, Germany 14.0%, and the Netherlands 8.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 53.0% of total import flows during this period.

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

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