The United States was the largest exporter with 43% of the world total, and Mexico was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Paper grades such as linerboard and fluting that are converted into corrugated boxes. Buyers are corrugated box plants that supply food, e-commerce and manufactured goods shippers.
Typical segments
- Kraftliner
- Testliner
- Fluting medium
- White top liner
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 13% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Finland is gaining ground: its exports rose 88% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of unbleached kraftliner, uncoated, in rolls of a width > 36 cm (HS 480411), the trade category that includes containerboard, were worth $5.27 billion in 2024. | 5.27 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 13% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($4.69 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +13 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest exporter in 2024, with 43% of world exports ($2.26 billion). | 43 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, the United States, Sweden and Finland, shipped 61% of world exports in 2024. | 61 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Mexico was the largest importer in 2024, buying $570.4 million, or 11% of world imports. | 11 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 40 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 40 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.61 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.61 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 8.62 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 8.62 million tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Finland grew fastest, with exports up 88% from 2019 to 2024. | +88 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Corrugated box makers
- Packaging converters
- Consumer goods brands
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
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- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global containerboard market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 480411 reached $5.27 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most containerboard?
The United States led world exports in 2024 with 43% of the total, followed by Sweden, Finland and Poland.
Which countries import the most containerboard?
Mexico was the largest importer in 2024, followed by China, Germany and Italy.
Is world trade in containerboard growing?
World exports were 13% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of containerboard?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.61 per kilogram in 2024.
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