Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Hungarian market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates grew steadily from 45 thousand tons to 65 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by the strengthening of local production, exemplified by MPI Kft. which broadened its machinery park to serve the meat industry and European markets, alongside a rising emphasis on plastic waste collection and recycling. Concurrently, increased usage in agriculture and the food industry for storing fresh produce, along with the introduction of standardized Euro-pallet compatible crates, fueled broader market demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly boosted demand for hygienic, easy-to-clean plastic containers, particularly within the food and healthcare sectors. Supply chain disruptions during this period further encouraged domestic producers to reinforce their manufacturing and logistical capacities to secure local supply. This trend continued into 2021, when stricter government and food industry regulations on packaging hygiene and safety, coupled with the launch of new specialized products like ventilated crates for agricultural goods, stimulated market renewal and volume growth.

In 2022, the market volume saw a modest contraction to 62 thousand tons, while its value continued rising to 218 million US dollars. This shift coincided with increased global raw material prices and higher logistical costs, which led manufacturers to implement price adjustments. Furthermore, the tightening of EU and Hungarian environmental regulations concerning recycling and sustainable production influenced manufacturing processes and cost structures during this period.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 107.1 million US dollars, marking a 19.6% rise compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 83.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.2% occurring that year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 21%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 43,109 tonnes were produced, showing little to no change from 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 39,939 tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.3% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 7.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 6.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Hungary's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates declined in volume. In 2021, exports totaled 31,502 tonnes, indicating a robust fall of 15.8% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 37,425 tonnes, with the largest increase of 3.5% occurring in 2019. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 12.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.2%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Austria, Serbia, and Turkey formed the core group of markets for Hungary's exports in kind. Austria accounted for 24.8% of exports, Serbia for 18.1%, and Turkey for 15.4%, together representing 58.3% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Hungary's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 134.5 million US dollars, equivalent to a gain of 12.3% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 17.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Serbia, Austria, and Turkey formed the core of Hungary's exports in value terms. Serbia accounted for 30.0% of exports, Austria for 13.5%, and Turkey for 11.6%, together taking 55.1% of total 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 plastic boxes, cases and crates to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's import volume of plastic boxes, cases, and crates was recorded at 53,468 tonnes, showing an improvement of 12.9% over the past year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 1.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 18.2%. Over the period 2018-2021, imports increased by 31.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.

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

The data for 2018–2021 indicate that imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases, and crates to Hungary were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Turkey accounted for 21.7% of imports, Serbia for 11.7%, and Germany for 10.1%, jointly representing only 43.5% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Hungary's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 219.9 million US dollars, constituting an uptick of 17.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports increased by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%.

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

During 2018–2021, plastic boxes, cases, and crates were supplied to Hungary from many different markets. Even the largest destinations — Turkey, Serbia, and Poland — together represented only 42.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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