Sacks and bags for packing of goods market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sacks and bags in Finland showed significant volatility between 2018 and 2024. Volume dropped sharply to 4 268 т in 2019 before recovering to 6 643 т in 2020 and climbing steadily to a peak of 7 441 т in 2022. In value terms, the market followed a similar trajectory, rising from 21 564 тыс. долл. in 2018 to a high of 29 767 тыс. долл. in 2022.

The market contraction began in 2023, with volume falling to 7 008 т and value dropping to 24 432 тыс. долл., a trend that continued into 2024. This decline aligned with the rollout of stringent EU and national packaging regulations. Finland's adoption of the EU packaging waste agreement introduced bans on certain single-use plastics and set binding recyclability targets. Concurrently, expanded Extended Producer Responsibility rules removed turnover thresholds, making all packaging producers liable, while new Single-Use Plastics fees compensated municipalities for litter cleanup costs. These measures increased compliance costs and encouraged shifts in packaging design. Furthermore, a long-term reduction in thin plastic bag use for produce, estimated at 38% between 2017 and 2022, underscored changing consumer preferences and retail sector initiatives against disposable plastics.

Production sacks and bags for packing of goods in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of sacks and bags for packing goods in Finland was valued at 8 944 thousand US dollars, showing a significant decline of 12.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 16%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 3.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Finland produced 1 192 tonnes of sacks and bags for packing goods, representing a sharp drop of 14.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 26.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 19.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 6.0% rise.

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

Exports sacks and bags for packing of goods from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2020, exports of sacks and bags for packing goods from Finland reached 759 tonnes, marking a dramatic reduction of 65.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 203 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 121.7%. Import levels varied significantly, with a 2.9-fold difference between the low in 2020 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal destinations for Finland's exports in kind were Germany, accounting for 26.7% of exports, the Netherlands at 14.2%, and the United States at 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 50.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, exports of sacks and bags for packing goods from Finland declined. In 2020, exports totaled 8 221 thousand US dollars, representing a 28.1% drop relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 439 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 19.8%.

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

The partner structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Germany accounted for 22.2% of exports, the United States for 11.0%, and the Netherlands for 9.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.1% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

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

Imports sacks and bags for packing of goods to Finland

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Finland's imports of sacks and bags for packing goods came to 6 210 tonnes, marking an increase of 22.1% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 11.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of sacks and bags for packing goods to Finland were India, contributing 22.5% of imports in kind, Turkey at 14.7%, and Ukraine at 13.6%. Together, these three countries formed 50.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Deliveries of sacks and bags for packing goods to Finland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Finland imported 20 097 thousand US dollars worth of these goods, showing little change year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 16.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 21 241 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 4.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, sacks and bags for packing goods were traded with many countries in Finland's import market. Even the largest destinations—India, Turkey, and Ukraine—together represented only 45.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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