China: Non-Corrugated Paper Box Market 2025

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Market Size in China

In 2022, the Chinese non-corrugated paper box market decreased by -0.3% to $X, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. Overall, the total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -0.9% against 2019 indices. Non-corrugated paper box consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Production in China

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -0.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 24% against the previous year. Non-corrugated paper box production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, non-corrugated paper box exports from China expanded remarkably to X tons, with an increase of 5% against 2021 figures. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box exports expanded sharply to $X in 2022. In general, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +106.3% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for non-corrugated paper box exports from China, with a 17% share of total exports. Moreover, non-corrugated paper box exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Australia (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Vietnam (X tons), with a 4.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Australia (+11.6% per year) and Vietnam (+7.3% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard exports from China, comprising 19% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Australia ($X), with a 5.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States amounted to +3.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Australia (+12.6% per year) and Singapore (+14.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average non-corrugated paper box export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 4% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, non-corrugated paper box export price increased by +87.4% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Singapore ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Indonesia ($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 the United Arab Emirates (+9.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Imports

Imports into China

For the fourth consecutive year, China recorded decline in purchases abroad of folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard, which decreased by -23.4% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, imports showed a abrupt decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box imports fell to $X in 2022. In general, imports continue to indicate a perceptible decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 16%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Denmark (X tons), Finland (X tons) and Thailand (X tons) were the main suppliers of non-corrugated paper box imports to China, together accounting for 48% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Finland (with a CAGR of +156.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest non-corrugated paper box suppliers to China were Denmark ($X), Italy ($X) and Thailand ($X), together comprising 31% of total imports. South Korea, the United States, Japan, Finland and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

Finland, with a CAGR of +105.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average non-corrugated paper box import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 15% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, non-corrugated paper box import price increased by +106.4% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 31%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

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 Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Finland ($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 (+10.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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