China: Corrugated Paper Box Market 2024

Corrugated Paper Box Market Size in China

The Chinese corrugated paper box market rose slightly to $X in 2022, increasing by 3.1% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded a strong expansion. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Corrugated Paper Box Production in China

In value terms, corrugated paper box production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Corrugated Paper Box Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, overseas shipments of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard decreased by -9.5% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year rising trend. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, corrugated paper box exports expanded slightly to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 27%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and Australia (X tons) were the main destinations of corrugated paper box exports from China, together accounting for 31% of total exports. Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Bangladesh and Cambodia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Cambodia (with a CAGR of +28.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard exports from China, comprising 18% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Vietnam ($X), with an 8.1% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 6.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States stood at +8.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Vietnam (+15.8% per year) and Singapore (+27.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average corrugated paper box export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 14% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, corrugated paper box export price increased by +107.3% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 18% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Malaysia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Bangladesh ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malaysia (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Corrugated Paper Box Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, supplies from abroad of cartons, boxes and cases of corrugated paper or paperboard was finally on the rise to reach X tons after six years of decline. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 81%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, corrugated paper box imports rose sharply to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 85% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Japan (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main suppliers of corrugated paper box imports to China, together comprising 35% of total imports. Germany, the United States, Italy, Sweden, Canada, France, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Switzerland and Australia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +40.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Japan ($X), the United States ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest corrugated paper box suppliers to China, with a combined 34% share of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Italy, with a CAGR of +32.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average corrugated paper box import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 3.5% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, corrugated paper box import price increased by +101.1% against 2014 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 21%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+14.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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