Kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard in Lithuania showed initial growth followed by a contraction. The emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, particularly in packaging, stimulated demand for paper-based solutions, contributing to a market volume increase to 72 089 t in 2019. However, in 2020, the market declined to 65 380 t, while the industry prepared for upcoming regulatory requirements such as the EU EUDR, scheduled from 2025, aimed at reducing deforestation impacts.

The market recovered to 71 350 t in 2021, supported by packaging innovations like combining paper with plastic barrier layers for food products and a heightened focus on traceability systems. Subsequently, the market volume fell to 53 823 t in 2023 before a modest rebound to 57 322 t in 2024. Throughout this period, consumer preferences shifted towards more sustainable packaging, and local companies intensified activities in recycling and packaging production, shaping long-term market trends.

Production kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Lithuania's output of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard was valued at 7 222 thousand US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year improvement of 32.5%. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 51.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 14.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 2.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Lithuania produced 10 512 tonnes of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard, showing a gradual rise of 9.0% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 21.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 5.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 17.6%.

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

Exports kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, Lithuania's export volume of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard increased in 2021. The country exported 5 784 tonnes that year, indicating a substantial rise of 65.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 13.1%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 4.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 496 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 33.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's exports of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard in kind were distributed across numerous countries. Finland accounted for 18.3% of exports, Russia for 16.2%, and Latvia for 14.5%, with these three countries together representing only 49.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes peaked in 2021 and fell to a trough in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.7 times. In 2021, Lithuania exported 8 587 thousand US dollars worth of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard, which is 72.6% more than in 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 976 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 22.1%.

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

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Russia accounted for 24.8% of exports, Latvia for 12.5%, and Poland for 9.1%, with these three countries together representing only 46.4% of total flows. A significant 53.6% of exports went to other partners.

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

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

Imports kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania's cross-border shipments of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard stood at 66 622 tonnes, representing a robust gain of 12.5% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 59 236 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 10.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Sweden, and Poland consistently remained the main sources for Lithuania's imports of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard in kind. Finland accounted for 44.8% of imports, Sweden for 18.8%, and Poland for 9.8%, with these three countries together accounting for 73.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Lithuania's imported volumes of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard increased in 2021. The country imported 66 902 thousand US dollars worth of these goods that year, up by 18.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 56 269 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 9.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Sweden, and Poland were the primary suppliers of kaolin or inorganic coated paper and paperboard to Lithuania in value terms. Finland accounted for 38.9% of imports, Sweden for 17.4%, and Poland for 11.2%, with these three countries jointly accounting for 67.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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