Southern Asia: Corrugated Paper Market 2025

Corrugated Paper Market Size in Southern Asia

In 2021, the South Asian corrugated paper market increased by less than 0.1% to $X, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Corrugated Paper Production in Southern Asia

In value terms, corrugated paper production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 25%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Corrugated Paper Exports

Exports in Southern Asia

In 2021, shipments abroad of corrugated paper and paperboard decreased by -40% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports showed a deep setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 42% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, corrugated paper exports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 75% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, India (X tons) represented the largest exporter of corrugated paper and paperboard, creating 82% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Pakistan (X tons) and Bangladesh (X tons), together comprising a 17% share of total exports.

India experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of corrugated paper and paperboard. At the same time, Pakistan (+18.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Pakistan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Southern Asia, with a CAGR of +18.5% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Bangladesh (-36.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. India (+63 p.p.) and Pakistan (+10 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Bangladesh saw its share reduced by -73.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, India ($X) remains the largest corrugated paper supplier in Southern Asia, comprising 91% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Pakistan ($X), with a 7.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in India amounted to +8.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Pakistan (+11.3% per year) and Bangladesh (-46.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Southern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 82% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a moderate increase. 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 amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while Bangladesh ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+9.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Corrugated Paper Imports

Imports in Southern Asia

In 2021, approx. X tons of corrugated paper and paperboard were imported in Southern Asia; which is down by -14.2% against 2020. Overall, imports saw a deep reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 95% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, corrugated paper imports rose significantly to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 125% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Sri Lanka represented the major importer of corrugated paper and paperboard in Southern Asia, with the volume of imports reaching X tons, which was approx. 44% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Bangladesh (X tons), India (X tons) and Afghanistan (X tons), together achieving a 55% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Sri Lanka (with a CAGR of +16.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Bangladesh ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported corrugated paper and paperboard in Southern Asia, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Sri Lanka ($X), with a 26% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 7.4% share.

In Bangladesh, corrugated paper imports expanded at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Sri Lanka (+21.2% per year) and India (-29.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Southern Asia amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 29% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the import price increased by 37%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bangladesh (+33.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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