Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Estonian market for plastic boxes and crates was shaped by tightening regulations, particularly following the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, which raised requirements for reusable solutions and increased oversight by the Veterinary and Food Board. This fostered demand for high-quality, durable crates resistant to chemicals and temperature fluctuations, driving the market's value from USD 24.1 million in 2018 to USD 27.9 million in 2020, even as the physical volume declined from 9 740 tonnes to 8 616 tonnes.

The market expanded significantly in 2021, reaching 11 010 tonnes and USD 34.8 million, fueled by the emergence of new plastic crate segments specifically adapted for transporting foodstuffs and industrial goods. Increased demand for stackable and space-efficient designs further contributed to this growth. However, in 2022, the market volume contracted to 9 925 tonnes and its value fell to USD 32.1 million, a correction that occurred alongside producer investments in more sustainable technologies and additional certification requirements.

A sharp contraction followed in 2023, with the market dropping to 5 727 tonnes and USD 24.3 million, before a partial recovery in 2024 to 6 387 tonnes and USD 28.1 million.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in Estonia was valued at 38 329 thousand US dollars, marking a strong 23.3% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 29%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 0.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Estonia produced 9 602 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, representing an 11.1% year-on-year improvement. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 15.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.9%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2020, at 2.5%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, the volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates exported from Estonia declined in 2021, reaching 10 336 tonnes, down 0.6% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 32.2%, with an annualized rate of 9.8%. The largest increase was in 2019, at 31.9%, while the peak volume occurred in 2020, at 10 403 tonnes.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main buyers of plastic boxes, cases, and crates from Estonia were Latvia, accounting for 57.1% of exports in kind, Finland with 22.4%, and Sweden at 9.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 88.8% of total exports in kind.

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

Plastic boxes, cases, and crates shipments from Estonia increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, with exports totaling 43 799 thousand US dollars, a strong 12.5% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 43.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.8%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Latvia and Finland concentrated 80.8% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia imported 11 745 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases, and crates, showing a strong gain of 13.2% over the past year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 27.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 0.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Poland stood out as the main markets for imports in kind, with Latvia accounting for 46.4%, Finland for 22.9%, and Poland for 6.5% of imports. Together, they represented 75.8% 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

Estonia's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, totaling 40 255 thousand US dollars, a robust 12.6% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 61.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.3%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Latvia, Poland, and Sweden remained the key partners for imports in value terms, with Latvia accounting for 58.7%, Poland for 9.2%, and Sweden for 4.7% of imports. Together, they accounted for 72.5% 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