Paper and paperboard packing and office articles market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Estonian market for paper and board packaging expanded as new producers entered with eco-friendly and customized solutions, aligning with growing environmental awareness. The e-commerce boom increased demand for shipping-friendly packaging, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted needs for hygienic and secure packaging materials, driving production and imports upward.

Regulatory shifts came to the forefront in 2021–2022, with stricter rules on packaging safety, recyclability, and labeling taking effect. This prompted manufacturers to invest in compliant materials and processes. Although demand for branded and tailored paper packaging remained strong, the market volume dipped slightly in 2022 as the industry adjusted to the new requirements.

After these regulatory adjustments, the market contracted to 46 thousand tons in 2023 before rebounding sharply to 59 thousand tons in 2024, reflecting the market's ongoing adaptation to changing consumption patterns and supply conditions.

Production paper and paperboard packing and office articles in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 84 650 thousand US dollars, marking a 29.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 43.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 58 822 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's production of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 57 443 tonnes, showing a robust 21.0% growth from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production expanded by 41.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard packing and office articles from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's exports of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 28 179 tonnes, representing a strong 17.1% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 54%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia were the main destinations for Estonia's exports in kind. Finland accounted for 24.3% of exports, Sweden for 22.2%, and Latvia for 14.5%, together making up 60.9% 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 export value of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 43 955 thousand US dollars, up 29.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 50.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 759 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia remained the top destinations for Estonia's exports in value terms. Finland held 29.6% of exports, Sweden 19.8%, and Latvia 13.5%, collectively accounting for 62.9% 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 paper and paperboard packing and office articles to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's imports of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 29 068 tonnes, showing a 24.5% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 38.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Russia, and Lithuania were the principal sources for Estonia's imports in kind. Latvia accounted for 30.3% of imports, Russia for 18.6%, and Lithuania for 17.8%, together making up 66.7% 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

After a two-year decline, Estonia's import value of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles increased in 2021. Imports reached 54 902 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 33.4% rise from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 32.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 41 145 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland consistently led as the main sources for Estonia's imports in value terms. Latvia accounted for 24.0% of imports, Lithuania for 15.9%, and Poland for 13.6%, collectively representing 53.5% of total import flows.

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

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