Packing containers of paper or paperboard market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for paper and paperboard packing containers experienced substantial growth from 2018 to 2021, with its value increasing from 2.2 million $ US to 4.9 million $ US. This expansion was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which accelerated e-commerce activity and boosted demand for packaging materials. Concurrently, the state-owned organization Eesti Pakendiringlus OÜ expanded its network of collection containers and promoted packaging waste recycling, while heightened consumer awareness and a trend toward eco-friendly, recycled materials further supported market growth.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market contracted to 3.6 million $ US in 2022, largely due to global supply chain disruptions and a sharp rise in container shipping costs, which increased production and logistics expenses. The downturn continued through 2023 and 2024, with the market value falling to 1.9 million $ US and 1.9 million $ US, respectively, reflecting a post-pandemic market adjustment and sustained cost pressures.

Regulatory frameworks for packaging waste management, including standardized container labeling and separate collection requirements, remained consistent throughout the period, facilitating recycling infrastructure. However, these structural measures did not offset the broader market decline driven by external economic factors after 2021.

Production packing containers of paper or paperboard in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of paper or paperboard packing containers has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 18 657 thousand US dollars, marking a 39.3% rise from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 103.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 26.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Production of paper or paperboard packing containers in Estonia has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, Estonia produced 17 672 tonnes, up 27.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 78.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%.

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

Exports packing containers of paper or paperboard from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of paper or paperboard packing containers from Estonia have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 14 995 tonnes, a 23.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 77.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark were the core destinations for Estonia's exports in kind. Sweden accounted for 28.0% of exports, Finland for 13.2%, and Denmark for 11.0%, together making up 52.2% 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 paper or paperboard packing containers have increased for the third year running. In 2021, exports were valued at 15 069 thousand US dollars, up 47.8% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 99.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark were the main destinations for Estonia's exports in value terms. Sweden represented 27.2% of exports, Finland 14.6%, and Denmark 10.9%, collectively accounting for 52.6% 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 packing containers of paper or paperboard to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of paper or paperboard packing containers into Estonia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 243 tonnes, showing a sharp 43.6% year-over-year gain. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 46.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 165 tonnes, which represented a 0.6% decline.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Poland, Lithuania, and China formed the core group of markets for Estonia's imports in kind. Poland accounted for 26.6% of imports, Lithuania for 16.6%, and China for 16.0%, together representing 59.2% 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

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 595 thousand US dollars, with a 4.8% decline, and then climbed to a peak in 2021 at 1 262 thousand US dollars, a 112.1% year-over-year increase. This represents a 2.1-fold shift between the two years.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—China, Denmark, and Poland—together absorbed 51.9% of Estonia's total imports in value terms for paper or paperboard packing containers.

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

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