Plastic sacks and bags market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Hungary's plastic sacks and bags market contracted from 66 123 t in 2018 to 57 962 t in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging and the rising use of biodegradable and recycled materials. During this period, local manufacturers began offering sustainable alternatives that were previously imported, while digital printing technology enabled more personalized and eco-conscious packaging solutions.

Regulatory changes limiting single-use plastics took effect in 2021, directly restraining market demand for conventional plastic bags. The market continued to adapt through 2022 with the introduction of new sustainable packaging technologies, such as bamboo and mushroom-based materials, and further advancements in digital printing that supported customized, compostable products. Hungarian producers increasingly focused on sustainability to align with environmental policies and shifting consumer preferences.

By 2024, the market volume had expanded significantly to 90 030 t, substantially above the 2020 level. This recovery indicates the industry's adjustment to stricter environmental standards and its successful integration of innovative, sustainable materials and production methods.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of plastic sacks and bags declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 254.8 million US dollars, marking a gradual decrease of 6.0% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 12.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production of plastic sacks and bags declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 60 502 tonnes, showing a slight reduction of 1.1% from the year before. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%.

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

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of plastic sacks and bags increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 28 977 tonnes, corresponding to a small advance of 1.1% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, with 24.9% of exports in kind, the Netherlands at 9.2%, and France at 6.8%, were among the largest buyers of plastic sacks and bags from Hungary. However, even combined, they represented just 40.9% of total exports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

In 2021, Hungary's exports of plastic sacks and bags amounted to 160.5 million US dollars, showing a substantial uptick of 24.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 128.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, with 21.8% of exports in value terms, France at 10.5%, and Italy at 10.2%, were among the largest buyers of plastic sacks and bags from Hungary. Yet, together they accounted for just 42.5% of total exports in value terms, reflecting a broadly diversified partner base.

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 sacks and bags to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's imports of plastic sacks and bags amounted to 36 339 tonnes, indicating an increase of 39.0% over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 36.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 26 135 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, with 31.1% of imports in kind, Poland at 27.8%, and China at 9.8%, continued to head the list of suppliers of plastic sacks and bags to Hungary, jointly taking 68.7% of total imports in kind.

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 sacks and bags increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported a total of 93.7 million US dollars, which is 27.0% greater than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 32.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 73.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.1%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, with 25.3% of imports in value terms, Poland at 19.1%, and China at 9.2%, remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 53.6% of total flows.

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

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