Paper bags and sacks market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian paper bags and sacks market expanded significantly in 2019, with volume rising from 18 911 t to 30 028 t and value from 41.98 million USD to 54.55 million USD. This surge was driven by new regulations phasing out thin plastic carrier bags from the promotional bag category and government support for switching from plastic to paper, alongside growing consumer environmental awareness.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for food delivery, supporting paper packaging consumption. However, a paper shortage due to raw material supply chain constraints limited volume, which fell to 26 652 t, while market value edged up to 55.53 million USD on higher prices. Volume further declined to 22 015 t in 2021, with value dropping to 51.13 million USD, even as a government decree clarified that paper bags with plastic windows are not subject to the plastic bag ban, providing regulatory support for this segment.

From 2022 onward, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduced stricter reuse and recycling targets for paper bags, along with new labeling and environmental fee changes. Rising energy prices, labor shortages, and ongoing paper supply pressures affected production capacity, while consumer preferences shifted toward sustainable packaging, shaping the market's longer-term trajectory.

Production paper bags and sacks in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2019, Hungary's paper bags and sacks production reached its peak value of 47 122 K $ US. However, in 2020, output declined by 13.6% to 40 712 K $ US, marking the lowest point in the period. By 2021, production rebounded to 43 724 K $ US, showing a 7.4% increase compared to 2020. Over the entire 2018-2021 timeframe, production grew by 4.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's paper bags and sacks production volume has been declining for two consecutive years. In 2019, production peaked at 27 719 t, representing a significant 23.1% increase from the previous year. However, in 2020, output fell sharply by 19.6%. By 2021, production continued to decrease, albeit at a more moderate pace of 7.1%, reaching 20 707 t. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, production volume declined by 8.1%, with an average annual decrease of 2.8%.

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

Exports paper bags and sacks from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's paper bags and sacks exports experienced a two-year decline before rebounding in 2021. In 2019, exports fell by 10.3%, reaching their lowest point in 2020 at 12 798 t. However, in 2021, exports surged by 20.5% to 15 415 t. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Austria, and Bulgaria were the primary destinations for Hungary's paper bags and sacks exports in volume terms. Romania accounted for 38.2% of exports, Austria for 17.6%, and Bulgaria for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 67.3% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's paper bags and sacks exports in value terms have been growing for three consecutive years. In 2021, exports reached 35 722 K $ US, marking a substantial 32.5% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 42.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Austria, and Bulgaria were the key markets for Hungary's paper bags and sacks exports in value terms. Romania represented 34.7% of export value, Austria 15.6%, and Bulgaria 11.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 62.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports paper bags and sacks to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hungary's paper bags and sacks imports in volume terms declined in 2021. In 2019, imports increased significantly by 40.5%, reaching a peak of 17 169 t in 2020. However, in 2021, imports fell by 2.6%. Despite this recent decline, imports grew by 53% over the 2018-2021 period, with an average annual increase of 15.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's paper bags and sacks imports in volume terms were relatively diversified. Even the largest suppliers—Poland, China, and Germany—together accounted for only 40.6% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's paper bags and sacks imports in value terms have been increasing for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports reached 43 128 K $ US, showing a modest 3.3% year-over-year gain. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 69.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary's paper bags and sacks imports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. China accounted for 18.5% of import value, Poland for 15.0%, and Germany for 13.6%. Together, these three countries represented 47.1% of total import flows.

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

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