MERCOSUR: Folding Boxboard Market 2025

Folding Boxboard Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR folding boxboard market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Folding Boxboard Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, folding boxboard production rose to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 22%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Folding Boxboard Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas shipments of folding boxboard decreased by -15.9% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Overall, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 10% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

In value terms, folding boxboard exports fell to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 9.3% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) represented the main exporter of folding boxboard, mixing up 69% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons) and Paraguay (X tons), together achieving a 28% share of total exports. Argentina (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to folding boxboard exports from Chile stood at +1.6%. At the same time, Paraguay (+51.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Paraguay emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +51.9% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Brazil (-6.6%) and Argentina (-12.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Chile (+13 p.p.) and Paraguay (+6.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina and Brazil saw its share reduced by -4.7% and -15.2% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the largest folding boxboard supplying countries in MERCOSUR were Chile ($X), Brazil ($X) and Argentina ($X), with a combined 95% share of total exports. Paraguay lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 4.4%.

Paraguay, with a CAGR of +55.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 4.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight descent. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Paraguay ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+2.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Folding Boxboard Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

After two years of decline, purchases abroad of folding boxboard increased by 30% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, folding boxboard imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a slight setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of folding boxboard imports in 2021 were Brazil (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Peru (X tons), Chile (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Argentina (X tons), together finishing at 94% of total import. Paraguay (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Chile (with a CAGR of +10.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Colombia ($X) and Ecuador ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 55% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Chile, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay, which together accounted for a further 42%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Chile, with a CAGR of +8.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to 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 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -1.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the import price increased by 4.7%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Paraguay ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (+4.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform