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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Spanish wooden packaging market volume declined from 370 K t to 304 K t, while its value remained relatively stable, decreasing from $334.9 million to $305.2 million. This period was characterized by the enforcement of existing regulatory frameworks, including Royal Decree 1088/2015 ensuring timber legality and phytosanitary standard ISPM 15 for export packaging. Limited forest certification coverage—under 10% of total area—constrained raw material supply, which may have affected production volumes.

In 2021, the market recovered to 337 K t in volume and $412.6 million in value, supported by growing manufacturer commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles, which boosted the appeal of wooden packaging. However, 2022 saw a sharp contraction to 255 K t in volume and $353.3 million in value, primarily due to a spike in timber prices: costs for species such as poplar and pine rose by over 10% because of high demand and limited supply following pandemic-related factory stoppages. Simultaneously, new Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and packaging waste entered into force, tightening sustainability and recyclability requirements, while shifting consumer preferences toward eco‑friendly packaging helped maintain demand despite higher prices.

The volume decline continued into 2023, falling to 233 K t, although market value grew to $372.5 million amid a broader downturn in timber‑chain activity, especially in the key region of Galicia, which affected pallet and packaging output. By 2024, volume decreased further to 218 K t, but value reached $421.7 million as the industry adapted to new regulatory demands—including the upcoming European Packaging Regulation (PPWR)—and focused on higher‑value, innovative, and sustainable products. The wooden packaging subsector comprised 702 firms, demonstrating rising revenue and employment, signaling a shift toward more value‑added offerings.

Production wooden packing cases and drums in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's production of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums declined. In 2020, output was valued at 341.4 million US dollars, marking a 9.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 375.1 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's production volume of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 345.1 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a modest decrease of 6.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 13.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The peak was in 2018 at 411.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline in 2019 at 10.6% and the largest increase in 2018 at 2.6%.

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

Exports wooden packing cases and drums from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from Spain fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 44 130 tonnes, a 3.6% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 49 663 tonnes, with the largest decline in 2019 at 7.8% and the largest increase in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the primary buyers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from Spain. France accounted for 49.7% of exports in kind, Portugal for 23.3%, and Morocco for 8.4%, together making up 81.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export deliveries of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 50 334 thousand US dollars, a gradual decrease of 7.9% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The peak value was in 2018 at 62 035 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 11.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 13.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the main buyers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from Spain in value terms. France represented 49.8% of exports, Portugal 15.1%, and Morocco 11.8%, collectively accounting for 76.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wooden packing cases and drums to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums into Spain declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Spain imported 3 144 tonnes, a steep decrease of 46.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 47%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.1%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 8 585 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom were the leading suppliers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums to Spain in kind. Portugal contributed 27.5% of imports, France 19.2%, and the United Kingdom 13.9%, together forming 60.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From 2018 to 2020, the market experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.8 times. In 2020, imports into Spain amounted to 14 132 thousand US dollars, down 20.2% from the previous year. The highest value was in 2018 at 25 392 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 30.3% and the largest increase in 2018 at 79.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and Portugal were the top suppliers of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums to Spain in value terms. Germany accounted for 30.7% of imports, France for 18.7%, and Portugal for 15.7%, jointly taking 65.1% of total import value.

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

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