Unbleached kraftliner market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish market for unbleached kraftliner experienced notable fluctuations in physical volume between 2018 and 2024. Consumption rose from 147 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 168 thousand tons in 2021, before contracting sharply to 131 thousand tons in 2022 and subsequently recovering to 159 thousand tons by the end of the period.

In value terms, the market demonstrated even greater volatility. The market value fell from $329 million in 2018 to $194.5 million in 2020, then surged to $384.3 million in 2022, only to drop significantly to $174.5 million the following year. These swings suggest that price movements for the material were a major factor alongside changes in consumption volume.

Sweden consistently maintained a strong export-oriented position throughout these years, with annual exports far exceeding domestic consumption. This role was exemplified in 2024, when Sweden supplied 7.1% of Spain's imports of unbleached kraftliner, underscoring its importance as a producer for the European market.

Production unbleached kraftliner in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's unbleached kraftliner production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 596.9 million US dollars, marking a modest 7.3% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 802.9 million US dollars, which saw a 13.4% increase. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 19.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweden's unbleached kraftliner production volume rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output reached 1 047 thousand tonnes, up 2.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 019 thousand tonnes, following the largest decline of 4.9% in 2018.

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

Exports unbleached kraftliner from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

Sweden's unbleached kraftliner exports increased after two years of decline. In 2020, shipments totaled 926.6 thousand tonnes, showing a slight 2.6% improvement over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 903.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest drop of 4.0% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were the key destinations for Sweden's unbleached kraftliner exports by volume. Germany accounted for 31.0% of exports, the United Kingdom for 22.1%, and the Netherlands for 16.3%. Together, these three countries represented 69.5% 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

Sweden's unbleached kraftliner exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 422.9 million US dollars, down 2.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 510.9 million US dollars, which saw a 4.6% increase. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 15.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Sweden's unbleached kraftliner exports by value were the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. The United Kingdom accounted for 25.9% of export value, Germany for 25.3%, and the Netherlands for 14.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 65.4% 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 unbleached kraftliner to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's unbleached kraftliner imports declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports stood at 35.7 thousand tonnes, down 26.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 48.7 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase of 45.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland and Poland were the dominant sources for Sweden's unbleached kraftliner imports by volume, jointly accounting for 98.8% 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 unbleached kraftliner imports showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 20.5 million US dollars, marking a sharp 36.1% decline from the previous year. The peak value was in 2018 at 37.0 million US dollars, which saw an 84.0% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland and Poland clearly dominated Sweden's unbleached kraftliner imports by value, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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