Very few industries operate in the sector of paper - cardboard packaging (as raw material). Some of them are vertically integrated production units (production of raw material as well as finished products). On the contrary, a large number of companies is involved in the production of finished paper packaging.
The total domestic production of paper – cardboard registered a rise of 6.2% in 2021 compared to 2020. Cardboard for solid boxes has had the lion’s share in the domestic production since 2012. A slight rise in production of 2.0% is estimated for 2022.The total domestic consumption is estimated to have increased by 9.8% in 2021 compared to 2020. Corrugated paper for carton boxes accounted for 67% of the total paper – cardboard consumption, followed by cardboard for solid boxes with 27%. The sector's export performance is estimated at around 21% in 2021, while the import penetration rate amounted to 58% during the same year.
The total domestic market of finished paper packaging goods registered an increase of 9.4% in 2021 compared to 2020. Corrugated paper for carton boxes accounted for 59% of the total market of finished paper packaging goods. Exports of finished paper packaging goods registered a rise of 47% during 2021/20.