Unbleached kraftliner market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese unbleached kraftliner market began the period at 136 thousand tons in 2018 and expanded to 163 thousand tons the following year. This growth was supported by global sustainability and recycling trends, which increased preference for unbleached kraftliner due to its strength and recyclability. The market then contracted to 155 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and economic activity.

After a recovery to 162 thousand tons in 2021, the market size stabilized before surging to 193 thousand tons in 2023. This sharp increase coincided with Portugal's rise to become Europe's second-largest producer of unbleached kraftliner. The industry's ongoing adaptation to European environmental regulations and continuous technological advancements for efficiency and sustainability supported this growth.

In the later years, the market focus shifted towards preparing for significant regulatory changes. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to apply from August 2026, establishing new design criteria for packaging to improve recyclability. Concurrently, national legislation updated extended producer responsibility rules for packaging waste, reinforcing the regulatory framework shaping the industry's future.

Production unbleached kraftliner in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's unbleached kraftliner production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, output reached 320.3 million US dollars, marking a significant 29.8% increase compared to 2020. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 246.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.7%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Portugal produced 398.4 thousand tons of unbleached kraftliner in 2021, showing a modest 2.0% year-over-year increase. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 1.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 4.3%. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 4.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Exports unbleached kraftliner from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

Portugal's unbleached kraftliner exports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 271.2 thousand tons, a slight 1.7% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 262.6 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy remained the top buyers of unbleached kraftliner from Portugal, accounting for 26.9%, 26.9%, and 11.6% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Portugal's unbleached kraftliner exports recovered after two years of reduction. In 2021, exports amounted to 206.4 million US dollars, a notable 30.8% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 157.9 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 22.5%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy continued to dominate Portugal's unbleached kraftliner exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 66.8% 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 unbleached kraftliner to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal's unbleached kraftliner imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 35.3 thousand tons, a 13.8% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 40.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Brazil, and Russia were the leading sources of unbleached kraftliner imports to Portugal, representing 27.5%, 17.7%, and 16.0% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 61.1% 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, M $ US

Foreign supplies of unbleached kraftliner to Portugal rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, imports totaled 28.9 million US dollars, a substantial 48.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest import value was in 2020 at 19.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, France, Spain, and Russia remained key partners in Portugal's unbleached kraftliner imports in value terms, accounting for 29.4%, 15.5%, and 15.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 60.3% 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