Malaysia: Corrugated Paper Market 2025

Corrugated Paper Market Size in Malaysia

The Malaysian corrugated paper market contracted modestly to $X in 2021, which is down by -2.2% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -4.4% against 2018 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Corrugated Paper Production in Malaysia

In value terms, corrugated paper production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -8.6% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 36%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Corrugated Paper Exports

Exports from Malaysia

In 2021, corrugated paper exports from Malaysia contracted significantly to X tons, which is down by -23.3% on 2020. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 45% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, corrugated paper exports reached $X in 2021. Overall, exports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Singapore (X tons) was the main destination for corrugated paper exports from Malaysia, with a 92% share of total exports. Moreover, corrugated paper exports to Singapore exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Papua New Guinea (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Singapore totaled -10.5%.

In value terms, Singapore ($X) remains the key foreign market for corrugated paper and paperboard exports from Malaysia, comprising 84% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Papua New Guinea ($X), with a 13% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Singapore stood at -8.6%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average corrugated paper export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 31% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.1%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Papua New Guinea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Singapore stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Papua New Guinea (+12.6%).

Corrugated Paper Imports

Imports into Malaysia

In 2021, purchases abroad of corrugated paper and paperboard decreased by -16.3% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, imports recorded a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 109% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, corrugated paper imports expanded notably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports saw a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Thailand (X tons) constituted the largest corrugated paper supplier to Malaysia, with a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, corrugated paper imports from Thailand exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), fivefold. Indonesia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 9.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Thailand amounted to -5.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+17.1% per year) and Indonesia (-1.6% per year).

In value terms, Thailand ($X) constituted the largest supplier of corrugated paper and paperboard to Malaysia, comprising 64% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Thailand amounted to -7.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+20.3% per year) and Indonesia (-8.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average corrugated paper import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 31% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a pronounced reduction. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while the price for Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+6.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :