Plastic boxes, cases and crates market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, production of plastic boxes and crates in Slovakia reached 21.6 thousand tonnes, with a market volume of 15.5 thousand tonnes, a level supported by the prevailing global growth in demand for plastic packaging. Over the next two years, production initially dipped to 20.5 thousand tonnes in 2019 before recovering to 22.0 thousand tonnes in 2020, while the domestic market contracted to 12.8 thousand tonnes as imports fell significantly from 23.6 thousand tonnes to 15.5 thousand tonnes.

From 2021, Slovak trade in plastic boxes and crates entered a phase of consistent expansion. Import volumes rose from 15.1 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 28.4 thousand tonnes in 2024, while exports grew from 26.3 thousand tonnes to 39.9 thousand tonnes over the same period. This surge in trade activity coincided with a broader global increase in imports for these products, providing context for the heightened cross-border flows.

Production plastic boxes, cases and crates in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Slovakia, the production value of plastic boxes, cases and crates reached 59 597 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 1.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 65 548 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 12.6% occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline of 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Slovakia produced 22 033 tonnes of plastic boxes, cases and crates, showing a moderate rise of 7.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 15.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 12.7%, while 2019 experienced the biggest decline of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports plastic boxes, cases and crates from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Slovakia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes stood at 24 646 tonnes, representing a 3.3% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.9%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Slovakia were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. The United Kingdom accounted for 11.1% of exports in kind, Poland for 9.2%, and Germany for 9.0%. Together, these three countries made up only 29.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, exports of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Slovakia declined. In 2020, export value amounted to 90 153 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 92 870 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 3.2% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of plastic boxes, cases and crates from Slovakia were not concentrated on a few key markets. Poland accounted for 16.4% of exports in value terms, France for 11.3%, and Germany for 11.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 38.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plastic boxes, cases and crates to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Slovakia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volumes reached 15 496 tonnes, indicating a notable decline of 12.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 23 627 tonnes, with the largest increase of 42.9% occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline of 24.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of plastic boxes, cases and crates to Slovakia were not heavily concentrated on a few key sources. Germany accounted for 21.9% of imports in kind, Czechia for 16.5%, and Serbia for 11.4%. Together, these three countries comprised only 49.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of increase, imports of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Slovakia declined. In 2020, import value amounted to 59 108 thousand US dollars, which is 12.6% lower compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7%, translating to an annualized decline of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 67 658 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 4.7% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms of plastic boxes, cases and crates into Slovakia at 33.7%, followed by Czechia at 14.3% and Poland at 10.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 58.3% of total import flows.

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

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