Wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings and cable-drums market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovenian wooden packaging market experienced significant growth from 2020 to 2021, rising from 6 023 t to a peak of 9 509 t. This expansion was initially driven during the COVID-19 pandemic by increased demand for local and sustainable packaging materials amid global supply chain disruptions. The upward trend continued into 2021, further supported by the introduction of a new national regulation on waste packaging management. This rule, effective from July 1, mandated extended producer responsibility reporting and eliminated volume thresholds for cost-sharing, reinforcing the focus on compliant and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume corrected to 7 279 t in 2022 and stabilized around 6 800 t by 2024. Throughout this period, the industry adapted to an evolving regulatory landscape, including preparations for the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40. Concurrently, sustained demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and heightened requirements for ISPM-15-compliant heat-treated wood packaging for international trade provided ongoing context for market activity.

Production wooden packing cases and drums in Slovenia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Output reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2019, the production of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums in Slovenia was valued at 4 795 K $ US, marking an 8.1% decline from 2018. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 218 K $ US, with the largest increase occurring that year at 143.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2019, Slovenia produced 9 088 t of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums, representing a 19.1% increase from the previous year. Production grew by 94.3% between 2017 and 2019, translating to an annualized rate of 24.8%. The peak volume was achieved in 2020 at 9 088 t, while the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 64.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovenia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wooden packing cases and drums from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Slovenia's exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums experienced a decline. In 2020, export volume totaled 2 020 t, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 36.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 028 t, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 23.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy remained the primary destination for Slovenia's exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums, accounting for 73.0% of total exports in volume. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility over these years. Export values hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 2.1-fold shift. In 2020, Slovenia's exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums amounted to 2 726 K $ US, an 84.3% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (57.4% of exports by value), Austria (17.4%), and Croatia (6.3%) were the largest buyers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from Slovenia. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wooden packing cases and drums to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes varied by 2.1-fold, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Slovenia imported approximately 442 t of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums, up 5.2% year-over-year. The peak volume was in 2018 at 832 t, with the largest decline in 2019 at 49.6% and the largest increase in 2018 at 113.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Croatia, Italy, and Germany—collectively represented 72.6% of Slovenia's total imports in volume for wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance displayed significant fluctuations over this period. Import values bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2018, differing by 2.5-fold. In 2020, Slovenia's imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums totaled 740 K $ US, reflecting a sharp drop of 20.7% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 856 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 49.7% and the largest increase in 2018 at 78.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (38.8% of imports by value), Germany (19.5%), and Croatia (16.9%) led as the top suppliers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums to Slovenia. Together, they accounted for 75.2% of total import value.

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

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