Printed labels of paper or paperboard market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Portuguese market for printed labels was shaped by a growing consumer preference for sustainable materials, such as recycled and plantable paper. Local manufacturers like REPAPER expanded production, supporting domestic supply. The adoption of digital printing technology began to transform the industry, increasing the value per unit and explaining the market's rise in monetary terms despite a slight dip in physical volume. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted demand for labels in food and healthcare packaging, while European labeling regulations spurred investments in compliant solutions.

From 2021 to 2022, the market accelerated sharply. Increased availability of durable self-adhesive labels for industrial uses met broader demand, and stricter EU labeling rules enforced higher standards. The digital segment consolidated, accounting for about 35% of market value by 2022, as companies launched innovative products like plantable seed labels and invested in local services for small businesses. Environmental certifications such as PEFC and FSC gained traction, aligning with sustainability trends. These developments drove market volume up by 64% in 2022, reaching 7 790 tons.

In 2023, growth continued, with market volume rising to 11 262 tons and value to 59.2 million US dollars, reflecting the enduring shift toward digital production and eco-friendly materials.

Production printed labels of paper or paperboard in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's production of printed paper or paperboard labels declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 37 105 thousand US dollars, representing a 12.4% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 10.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 43 792 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 30.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's production volume of printed paper or paperboard labels declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 2 851 tonnes were produced, marking a substantial 13.6% decrease from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 19.6%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 776 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 6.5%.

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

Exports printed labels of paper or paperboard from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1 742 tonnes, down by 2.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 42.3%, with an average annual decline of 16.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Romania, and Angola were the key destinations for Portugal's exports in kind. Spain accounted for 54.5% of exports, Romania for 10.8%, and Angola for 7.4%, together representing 72.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of printed paper or paperboard labels increased in 2021. Exports stood at 22 839 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid 12.9% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 26%, equating to an average annual decline of 9.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 20 229 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 19.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Romania, and France formed the main group of destinations for Portugal's exports in value terms. Spain accounted for 48.8% of exports, Romania for 13.5%, and France for 7.9%, together making up 70.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports printed labels of paper or paperboard to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, Portugal's imports of printed paper or paperboard labels increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 3 638 tonnes, showing a solid 19.1% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 19.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 054 tonnes, and the largest decline was in 2019 at 23.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy were consistently the main sources for Portugal's imports in kind. Spain accounted for 39.8% of imports, Germany for 11.8%, and Italy for 8.9%, together representing 60.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, Portugal's imports of printed paper or paperboard labels increased in 2021. Imports totaled 37 602 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 25.7% rise year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 10.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 29 905 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 20.9%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, Italy, and Germany remained the main markets for Portugal's imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 33.5% of imports, Italy for 13.9%, and Germany for 10.5%, jointly taking 57.8% of total import flows.

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

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