Uncoated paper and paperboard market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for uncoated paper and paperboard in Denmark remained stable around 201 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, despite growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly packaging solutions that boosted demand for uncoated paper as an alternative to coated paper. In 2020, the market grew to 204 thousand tons, supported by new EU regulations promoting paper-based materials over plastic and a shift in consumer preferences toward environmentally friendly products.

A significant expansion occurred in 2021, with the market reaching 249 thousand tons, driven by the e-commerce boom and increased demand for sustainable packaging, even amid global supply chain disruptions that affected raw material availability. In 2022, the market stabilized at a similar level as sharp rises in energy and raw material prices offset the effect of EU bans on single-use plastics, which continued to stimulate demand for paper packaging solutions. Major paper industry players invested in sustainable production methods and new product segments. By 2023, the market further increased to 269 thousand tons, as sustained demand from the food and retail sectors overcame ongoing logistical challenges and raw material price fluctuations.

In 2024, the market sharply contracted to 183 thousand tons, marking a substantial decline after several years of growth. Denmark continued to rely on imports of uncoated kraft paper and paperboard, including from Estonia, but the overall market volume fell.

Production uncoated paper and paperboard in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of uncoated paper and paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 50 892 thousand US dollars, marking a 26.4% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 24.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 39 368 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.0% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following two years of growth, Denmark's production volume of uncoated paper and paperboard declined. In 2021, 79 692 tonnes were produced, down 2.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 81 546 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports uncoated paper and paperboard from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Denmark's exports of uncoated paper and paperboard declined. In 2021, Denmark exported 62.7 thousand tonnes, indicating a modest drop of 4.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 5.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2020 at 65.8 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 9.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland remained the main buyers of uncoated paper and paperboard from Denmark, accounting for 27.6%, 18.9%, and 18.5% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they formed 64.9% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's exports of uncoated paper and paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 41.9 million US dollars, up 24.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland were the main buyers of uncoated paper and paperboard from Denmark in value terms, representing 27.1%, 18.9%, and 18.4% of exports, respectively. Together, they comprised 64.5% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports uncoated paper and paperboard to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

Denmark's imports of uncoated paper and paperboard increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 232.4 thousand tonnes, which is 23.3% higher than in 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 24.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 186.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 0.3% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, accounting for 68.5%, 10.1%, and 5.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 83.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. From the low in 2020 to the high in 2021, import volumes varied 1.8 times. In 2021, Denmark's imports of uncoated paper and paperboard reached 156.9 million US dollars, marking a steep increase of 79.1% compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 87.6 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 18.7% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden were the main markets for imports in value terms, representing 62.9%, 9.3%, and 5.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 77.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021