Tissues and towels of paper market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish market for tissues and towels of paper in physical volume grew from 68.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 76.9 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for hygiene products like facial tissues as consumers focused more on personal sanitation.

After 2020, market volume fluctuated, peaking at 77.2 thousand tons in 2023 before a slight decline to 74.8 thousand tons in 2024. In value terms, however, the market rose significantly to 154.3 million USD in 2024. This value growth was supported by a shift in consumer preferences toward eco-friendly, natural, and chemical-free products, along with changes in packaging and labeling requirements that encouraged more premium offerings. Additionally, major players such as the state-owned company Essity continued to invest in production capacity and innovation, reinforcing their market presence.

Production tissues and towels of paper in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Sweden's production of tissues and towels of paper was valued at 169.8 million US dollars, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production increased by 2.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Sweden produced 98 233 tonnes of tissues and towels of paper, remaining virtually unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%.

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

Exports tissues and towels of paper from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, Sweden's exports of tissues and towels of paper increased in 2020. The export volume reached 71 221 tonnes, marking a robust 10.3% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 64 585 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 5.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Sweden's exports of tissues and towels of paper in kind. Norway accounted for 42.3% of exports, Denmark for 25.4%, and Germany for 9.8%, together representing 77.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Sweden exported tissues and towels of paper worth 151.9 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 6.0% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 3.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 143.3 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 152.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.1% decrease.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Norway, Denmark, and Germany stood out as the main markets for Sweden's exports of tissues and towels of paper in value terms. Norway represented 48.7% of exports, Denmark 22.8%, and Germany 9.2%, together accounting for 80.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports tissues and towels of paper to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of tissues and towels of paper increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. Import volume stood at 49 922 tonnes, indicating a moderate 5.2% improvement compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 46 662 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 9.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany, Finland, and Norway were the three largest markets for Sweden's imports of tissues and towels of paper in kind, together accounting for 82.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's import value of tissues and towels of paper declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 85.2 million US dollars, which shows a 1.2% decrease versus the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports fell by 5.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 90.4 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.7% drop. The largest increase was in 2018 at 0.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Finland, and Norway were the principal destinations for Sweden's imports of tissues and towels of paper in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.2% of imports, Finland for 28.2%, and Norway for 7.5%, jointly representing 80.0% of total import flows.

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

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