Eastern Asia: Market for Aluminium Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes and Similar Containers 2025

Market Size for Aluminium Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes and Similar Containers in Eastern Asia

The East Asian market for aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers dropped to $X in 2022, waning by -2.8% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +3.1% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Aluminium Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes and Similar Containers in Eastern Asia

In value terms, production of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers declined modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +3.5% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, production of hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Aluminium Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes and Similar Containers

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, shipments abroad of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers decreased by -28.4% to X units for the first time since 2016, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 74%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X units, and then reduced notably in the following year.

In value terms, exports of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers shrank remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 75%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then declined dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

China prevails in containers structure, recording X units, which was near 80% of total exports in 2022. Taiwan (Chinese) (X units) took an 8.5% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by South Korea (7.3%). Japan (X units) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to aluminium cask, drum, can, box and similar container exports from China stood at +8.7%. At the same time, Japan (+10.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Japan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +10.1% from 2012-2022. South Korea experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-4.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. China (+21 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while South Korea and Taiwan (Chinese) saw its share reduced by -5.1% and -14.8% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the largest aluminium cask, drum, can, box and similar container supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with an 8.5% share of total exports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 7.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in China stood at +9.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Taiwan (Chinese) (-4.2% per year) and South Korea (+2.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per unit in 2022, picking up by 13% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per unit in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Japan ($X per unit) and China ($X per unit), while South Korea ($X per unit) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per unit) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Aluminium Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes and Similar Containers

Imports in Eastern Asia

After two years of growth, purchases abroad of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers decreased by -30.9% to X units in 2022. In general, imports saw a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 17%. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X units in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers declined markedly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2021, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

South Korea was the key importer of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers in Eastern Asia, with the volume of imports reaching X units, which was near 48% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Hong Kong SAR (X units), China (X units) and Japan (X units), together committing a 47% share of total imports. Taiwan (Chinese) (X units) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Korea (with a CAGR of +11.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers in Eastern Asia, comprising 47% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR, with a 16% share.

In South Korea, imports of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers increased at an average annual rate of +9.0% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-0.1% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (-6.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per unit, rising by 22% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per unit), while Hong Kong SAR ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform