Wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards and pallet collars market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish market for wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards and pallet collars contracted from 94.9 million US dollars in 2018 to 73.1 million by 2020. This period saw the implementation of revised EU packaging directives altering producer responsibility reporting, while a decline in wood pellet consumption from 2020, influenced by milder weather and fuel switching, indicated reduced demand for wood products that also affected the pallet sector.

Market size rebounded sharply to 121.1 million US dollars in 2021 and reached 186.5 million in 2022. This expansion was driven primarily by a significant increase in domestic timber harvesting, which improved raw material availability for pallet production. The entry of new companies into the market and a growing consumer focus on sustainable, wood-based packaging solutions further stimulated demand during this growth phase.

Following the 2022 peak, the market value adjusted downward to 125.5 million US dollars in 2023 and 118.9 million in 2024. The sector prepared for upcoming harmonized EU packaging labeling rules, while reports highlighting traceability challenges for a portion of Danish timber introduced supply chain considerations, contributing to the market's contraction.

Production wooden pallets and load boards in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Denmark's production of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 119.5 million US dollars, marking a significant 59.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 47.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 75.0 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Denmark's production of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 9,344 thousand units, representing a 15.7% rise from the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, production expanded by 18.6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 7,545 thousand units, which also saw the largest decline of 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports wooden pallets and load boards from Denmark

Exports in kind, K unit

In 2021, Denmark's exports of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars reached 9,257 thousand units, showing a sharp increase of 36.2% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 6,799 thousand units, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 12,207 thousand units. The most significant decline took place in 2020, with a drop of 44.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Germany, and Norway were the primary markets for Denmark's exports of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars in volume terms. Sweden accounted for 26.0% of exports, Germany for 24.1%, and Norway for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented 57.0% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's cross-border shipments of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars totaled 82,600 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep rise of 45.5% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 54.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a decrease of 4.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Sweden, and Norway continued to be the main buyers of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars from Denmark in value terms. Germany held a 28.1% share of exports, Sweden 20.3%, and Norway 7.4%. Collectively, these three markets formed 55.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wooden pallets and load boards to Denmark

Imports in kind, K unit

Denmark's imports of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 84,204 thousand units, amounting to a dramatic increase of 219.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 233.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 49.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Lithuania, and Germany were the key sources for Denmark's imports of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars in volume terms. Poland accounted for 51.0% of imports, Lithuania for 17.3%, and Germany for 9.3%. Together, these three countries made up 77.7% 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, K $ US

After two years of decline, Denmark's imports of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars rebounded. In 2021, imports were valued at 84,204 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a dramatic gain of 53.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 54,842 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Germany, and Sweden remained the principal suppliers of wooden pallets, box pallets, load boards, and pallet collars to Denmark in value terms. Poland held a 35.1% share of imports, Germany 17.0%, and Sweden 12.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 64.5% of total import value.

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

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