Uncoated paper and paperboard market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for uncoated paper and paperboard in Croatia increased from 151 thousand tons in 2018 to 154 thousand tons in 2019, then declined to 147 thousand tons in 2020. During these years, Croatia sourced significant imports of uncoated paper from multiple European suppliers like Italy, Austria, and Germany, while also exporting to regional markets including Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting its connected trade position.

Market volume surged to 166 thousand tons in 2021, marking a peak for the period, before moderating to 163 thousand tons in 2022. This phase coincided with a strong growth trend in the European uncoated paper sector and a rising consumer and regulatory emphasis on sustainable, recyclable packaging materials, which began influencing broader demand patterns.

Volume contracted to 153 thousand tons in 2023, influenced by global price volatility linked to energy costs and supply chain factors. A recovery to 161 thousand tons followed in 2024, supported by lower export prices for uncoated paper in Europe and the ongoing market shift toward eco-friendly materials.

Production uncoated paper and paperboard in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's uncoated paper and paperboard production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 63 942 K $ US, marking a 14.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 95 236 K $ US, which saw an 11.5% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's uncoated paper and paperboard production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 186.6 K t were produced, representing a 1.0% rise compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 177.9 K t, which experienced a 5.1% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with growth of 3.9%.

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

Exports uncoated paper and paperboard from Croatia

Exports in kind, K t

Uncoated paper and paperboard exports from Croatia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 161.1 K t, showing a modest gain of 4.4% compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 148.4 K t, which saw a 6.8% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia (24.2% of exports in kind), Italy (17.2%), and Slovenia (16.9%) were the principal buyers of uncoated paper and paperboard from Croatia, jointly accounting for 58.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's uncoated paper and paperboard export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 54 579 K $ US, which is 7.9% smaller compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 76 615 K $ US, which saw a 9.6% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia (23.4% of exports in value terms), Slovenia (17.8%), and Italy (16.2%) stood out as the main markets for Croatian exports, together representing 57.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports uncoated paper and paperboard to Croatia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year improvement, imported uncoated paper and paperboard volumes in Croatia declined. In 2020, imports totaled 121.7 K t, which is 1.7% smaller than in 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 123.9 K t, which saw a 1.5% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary (27.0% of imports in kind), Germany (25.3%), and Austria (24.8%) were the principal sources for imports, jointly accounting for 77.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's uncoated paper and paperboard import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 50 531 K $ US, marking a moderate reduction of 9.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 68 340 K $ US, which saw an 18.3% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 18.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany (26.6% of imports in value terms), Austria (23.9%), and Hungary (23.2%) remained the key partners for imports, together accounting for 73.7% of total flows.

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

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