Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Latvia

Earlier Report Observations

The Latvian market for plastic boxes, cases, and crates expanded consistently from 2018 to 2021, with market volume rising from 3.2 thousand tonnes to 5.2 thousand tonnes and market value increasing from 13.7 million US dollars to 18.1 million US dollars. This growth coincided with the entry into force of the Law on Reduction of Consumption of Plastic-containing Products in July 2021, which established requirements for single-use plastic items and an extended producer responsibility scheme, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable materials and circular economy practices.

After 2021, import volumes declined from a peak of 10.9 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 7.9 thousand tonnes in 2024, before partially recovering to 8.2 thousand tonnes in 2025. Exports also fluctuated, dropping in 2022 and 2023 but surging to 9.7 thousand tonnes in 2025. These trade movements occurred alongside ongoing regulatory developments, including EU restrictions on microplastics in 2023 and stricter national rules on plastic product marketing from February 2025.

Increasing environmental awareness and demand for recyclable packaging influenced market dynamics throughout the period, with EU targets for recycled content in plastic bottles from 2025 further shaping production and consumption patterns for plastic containers in Latvia.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Latvia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Latvia's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates rebounded. In 2021, output reached 10 955 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 27.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 8 564 thousand US dollars, following the largest decline of 17.1% in 2019.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year drop, Latvia's production of plastic boxes, cases, and crates recovered. In 2021, output totaled 3 064 tonnes, showing a solid gain of 15.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 2.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 661 tonnes, after the largest decline of 6.3% in 2019.

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

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Latvia

Exports in kind, t

Latvia's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates remained nearly unchanged in 2021 at 8 750 tonnes compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 9.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 002 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 12.3%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 3.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Lithuania, and Sweden were the main destinations for Latvia's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in volume terms. Estonia accounted for 60.8% of exports, Lithuania for 14.3%, and Sweden for 8.2%, together representing 83.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Latvia's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 36 096 thousand US dollars, up by 12.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 30.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Lithuania, and Sweden remained the key destinations for Latvia's exports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms. Estonia accounted for 67.3% of exports, Lithuania for 11.8%, and Sweden for 8.5%, together making up 87.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Latvia

Imports in kind, t

Latvia's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 10 909 tonnes, showing a gradual rise of 4.6% over the past year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 32.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland were the main sources for Latvia's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in volume terms. Estonia accounted for 56.2% of imports, Lithuania for 17.1%, and Poland for 10.8%, together representing 84.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Latvia's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 43 260 thousand US dollars, up by 9.9% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 41.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland led the structure of Latvia's imports of plastic boxes, cases, and crates in value terms. Estonia accounted for 58.8% of imports, Lithuania for 13.3%, and Poland for 9.5%, together representing 81.5% of total import flows.

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

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