Printed labels of paper or paperboard market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for printed labels in Hungary experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2024. After a decline in 2019, the market stabilized in 2020 before rebounding strongly in 2021, when market size reached 72.7 million USD. This growth was driven by increased demand for paper-based packaging, as stricter regulations on plastics prompted a shift toward sustainable materials. The expansion of paper into new applications, such as packaging for liquids and fragile goods, further supported market expansion.

Throughout the period, the printing industry underwent digital transformation, with manufacturers focusing on innovative label and packaging solutions. The adoption of cost-effective technologies for short-run and personalized campaigns improved efficiency. By 2023, EU-wide targets for packaging waste reduction and recyclability began shaping the market, while the rise of e-commerce boosted demand for high-quality printed packaging. In 2024, the market faced a challenging start but recovered by year-end, supported by the spread of digital printing, automation, and sustainability initiatives.

In 2025, Vajda-Papír opened Hungary's most modern paper mill, increasing domestic processing capacity to over 100,000 tonnes. This investment enhances competitiveness both locally and in export markets. The industry continues to evolve with digitalization and smart solutions, such as dynamic QR codes, reflecting ongoing trends toward sustainability and customized packaging.

Production printed labels of paper or paperboard in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of printed labels made from paper or paperboard has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 53 309 thousand US dollars, marking a solid 22.6% gain compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 43 312 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 17.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production of printed labels made from paper or paperboard has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 11 127 tonnes, up by 15.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 29%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%.

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

Exports printed labels of paper or paperboard from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's exports of printed labels made from paper or paperboard totalled 2 214 tonnes, down by 22.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 125 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 2 850 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 34.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Romania, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Hungary's exports in kind. Austria accounted for 26.9% of exports, Romania for 22.2%, and Germany for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 59.8% of total export 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, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's exports of printed labels made from paper or paperboard amounted to 16 364 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 4.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 21.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 13 234 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 17 081 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, with a 29.1% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Romania, and Germany were among the largest buyers of printed labels from Hungary in value terms. Austria accounted for 23.1% of exports, Romania for 16.1%, and Germany for 9.5%. However, even combined, they represented just 48.8% of total exports, indicating 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 printed labels of paper or paperboard to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

The import market for printed labels made from paper or paperboard in Hungary showed significant volatility during these years. In 2021, imports stood at 8 190 tonnes, which is 11.3% lower than the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 870 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a drop of 45.3%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 131.7%. From 2018 to 2019, the peak-to-trough amplitude was 2.3 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland remained the main suppliers of printed labels to Hungary in kind. Germany accounted for 39.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 17.8%, and Poland for 11.5%. Together, these three countries formed 68.8% of total import 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, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's imports of printed labels made from paper or paperboard reached 35 722 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 7.8% from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 34 510 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 38 730 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 12.2%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Hungary's imports in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 29.5% of imports, Italy for 8.6%, and the Netherlands for 8.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 46.5% of total import flows.

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

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