Uncoated paper and paperboard market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for uncoated paper and paperboard in Finland declined from 102.9 million dollars in 2018 to 75.2 million dollars in 2020. This drop was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and reduced overall production. However, the segment for packaging materials showed resilience as demand for uncoated paperboard increased during the pandemic, supported by growing environmental awareness among consumers and stricter recycling regulations.

A strong recovery followed in 2021 and 2022, with the market reaching 142.1 million dollars. This growth was fueled by new investments and the entry of players into the packaging sector, particularly in cardboard and recycled materials. Stora Enso's expansion of its Oulu board mill with a new 450,000-ton-per-year production line significantly boosted capacity. Additionally, the substitution of plastic with paper and board in packaging, driven by environmental regulations and consumer preferences, expanded domestic consumption.

After a correction in 2023 to 98.9 million dollars, the market rebounded to 113.7 million dollars in 2024. Ongoing investments by major producers like Stora Enso in environmentally friendly materials and further tightening of packaging recycling standards supported this recovery. Consumer demand continued to shift towards recycled and biodegradable paper products.

Production uncoated paper and paperboard in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Finland's uncoated paper and paperboard production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 440.8 million US dollars, marking a 5.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 491.9 million US dollars, with the largest year-over-year increase of 8.8% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Finland's uncoated paper and paperboard production volume has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 666.9 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 5%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.7%.

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

Exports uncoated paper and paperboard from Finland

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 259.4 thousand tonnes, marking a 59.8% decline and representing the largest drop on record. By 2020, exports from Finland rebounded to 646.9 thousand tonnes, a significant 149.3% increase from the previous year. Overall, exports fluctuated by 2.8 times from their peak in 2017 to their trough in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland exported uncoated paper and paperboard to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—Spain, the Philippines, and Sweden—collectively accounted for only 34.3% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Finland's uncoated paper and paperboard exports have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value totaled 412.9 million US dollars, down 1.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8.6%, averaging an annual decline of 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland's uncoated paper and paperboard exports in value terms were distributed across many countries. The three largest markets—Spain with 14.6%, the Netherlands with 10.2%, and the Philippines with 10.1%—together represented just 34.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports uncoated paper and paperboard to Finland

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Finland's imports of uncoated paper and paperboard increased in 2020, reaching 75.6 thousand tonnes—a 28.3% rise from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 58.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 20.8%. Over the full period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for 72.4% of Finland's total import volumes of uncoated paper and paperboard.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Finland's imports of uncoated paper and paperboard in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 48.9 million US dollars, reflecting an 11.2% drop from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 54.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.2%. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.1%, averaging an annual decline of 2.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for Finland's imports of uncoated paper and paperboard in value terms. Poland accounted for 26.7%, Germany for 24.3%, and the United Kingdom for 24.2%, together representing 75.3% of total import value.

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

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