Panama: Non-Corrugated Paper Box Market 2025

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Market Size in Panama

The Panamanian non-corrugated paper box market rose sharply to $X in 2022, with an increase of 14% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a temperate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value 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, consumption decreased by -5.6% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Production in Panama

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box production soared to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a modest increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% 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 -12.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the production volume increased by 93% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Exports

Exports from Panama

In 2022, the amount of folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard exported from Panama surged to X tons, increasing by 131% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports posted prominent growth. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a perceptible slump. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Free Zones (X tons) was the main destination for non-corrugated paper box exports from Panama, accounting for a 91% share of total exports. Moreover, non-corrugated paper box exports to Free Zones exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Nicaragua (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Free Zones stood at +32.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Nicaragua (+3.5% per year) and Costa Rica (-29.0% per year).

In value terms, Free Zones ($X) remains the key foreign market for folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard exports from Panama, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Nicaragua ($X), with a 6.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Free Zones amounted to +16.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Nicaragua (+2.3% per year) and Costa Rica (-33.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average non-corrugated paper box export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, declining by -11.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 5.6% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Free Zones ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Costa Rica ($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 Nicaragua (-1.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Non-Corrugated Paper Box Imports

Imports into Panama

In 2022, supplies from abroad of folding cartons, boxes and cases of non-corrugated paper or paperboard increased by 9.3% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Over the period under review, imports saw a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 2,660%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, non-corrugated paper box imports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 1,863%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Costa Rica (X tons) were the main suppliers of non-corrugated paper box imports to Panama, together comprising 74% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +91.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest non-corrugated paper box suppliers to Panama were Mexico ($X), Costa Rica ($X) and Brazil ($X), together accounting for 66% of total imports.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +91.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average non-corrugated paper box import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a pronounced slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 22%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform