Paper and paperboard packing and office articles market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard packing and office articles in Italy expanded significantly from 5.0 million tons in 2019 to 7.2 million tons in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which increased demand for cardboard packaging, a trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers shifted to online shopping and required more packaged food products. The food sector, representing over 60% of corrugated cardboard consumption, provided sustained demand, while high recycling rates above 81% and environmental initiatives encouraged the use of recyclable materials.

After peaking in 2022, the market contracted to 6.1 million tons in 2023 and further to 5.2 million tons in 2024. This correction followed the introduction of the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which set stricter sustainability requirements, leading to adjustments in production and packaging designs. Post-pandemic normalization of demand and lower raw material prices also contributed to the decline in market volume.

Production paper and paperboard packing and office articles in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, Italy's output of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles was valued at 7 154 million US dollars, remaining flat compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, production decreased by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 0.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2019, Italy produced 5 444 thousand tonnes of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles, showing broad stability relative to 2018.

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

Exports paper and paperboard packing and office articles from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard packaging and office articles deliveries from Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 614.7 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate drop of 3.1% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 638.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles from Italy relied on a wide range of partner countries. France accounted for 26.9% of exports in kind, Germany for 16.2%, and Switzerland for 5.6%, together representing just 48.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Paper and paperboard packaging and office articles shipments from Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Italy exported 1 303 million US dollars worth of these goods, reflecting a loss of 4.0% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 389 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 13.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Switzerland consistently held leading positions in Italy's export structure in value terms. France accounted for 29.3% of exports in value, Germany for 14.8%, and Switzerland for 6.8%, jointly representing 50.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard packing and office articles to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy's imports of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles totalled 147.2 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a sharp fall of 35.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.9%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 227.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 49.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, paper and paperboard packaging and office articles were supplied to Italy from a broad set of markets. Germany accounted for 26.3% of imports in kind, China for 11.6%, and France for 9.6%, together representing only 47.5% of total imports in kind, while many smaller destinations made up the remaining 52.5%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year uptick, Italy's imports of paper and paperboard packaging and office articles declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 449 million US dollars, amounting to an abrupt decline of 37.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 720 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 39.1%.

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

The country composition of Italy's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Germany accounted for 25.7% of imports in value, China for 15.2%, and France for 8.7%, together forming just 49.6% of total flows, with the remaining 50.4% split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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