Container Market

The article discusses the global container market trends, forecasting an upward consumption trend with a CAGR of +2.5% in volume and +4.5% in value from 2022 to 2030. By 2022, global container consumption shrank slightly to 573B units but is expected to increase. China, the United States, and Indonesia were the top consumers in 2022. Germany saw the highest growth rate in consumption. In terms of production and imports, China remains a major player. The article also highlights the types of containers exported and imported, with aluminium casks and drums being the major exported products. The average container import price and export price are expected to continue to grow in the near future.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 698B units by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.5% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $181.2B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Tanks, Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes And Similar Containers

In 2022, global container consumption shrank slightly to 573B units, dropping by -2.6% on the previous year's figure. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the consumption volume increased by 9% against the previous year. Global consumption peaked at 593B units in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global container market revenue fell slightly to $127.2B in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $136.3B. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the global market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (125B units), the United States (84B units) and Indonesia (21B units), together accounting for 40% of global consumption. Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, Egypt and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 24%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consuming countries, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +18.8%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest container markets worldwide were China ($34.1B), the United States ($17.6B) and Pakistan ($6.4B), with a combined 46% share of the global market. Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Indonesia, Nigeria, Italy, Egypt, Spain, the Philippines and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Germany, with a CAGR of +13.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of container per capita consumption in 2022 were Spain (288 units per person), the United States (249 units per person) and Italy (198 units per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +18.5%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Tanks, Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes And Similar Containers

Global container production shrank slightly to 574B units in 2022, reducing by -1.7% on the year before. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 8.7% against the previous year. Global production peaked at 593B units in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, container production declined modestly to $116.9B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 34% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $153.1B. From 2019 to 2022, global production growth failed to regain momentum.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were China (131B units), the United States (84B units) and Indonesia (21B units), together accounting for 41% of global production. Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Egypt and the Philippines lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +9.7%), while production for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports

World Imports of Tanks, Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes And Similar Containers

In 2022, supplies from abroad of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers decreased by -5.9% to 74B units for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 16% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of 79B units, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, container imports amounted to $15.5B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 20%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (7B units), Belgium (5.6B units), the Netherlands (4.8B units), Germany (4.2B units), Canada (4.1B units) and France (4B units) was the major importer of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers in the world, constituting 40% of total import. The UK (2.5B units), Poland (2.1B units), Austria (1.9B units), Spain (1.7B units), Italy (1.6B units) and Switzerland (1.1B units) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the United States (with a CAGR of +8.8%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest container importing markets worldwide were the United States ($1.2B), Canada ($1B) and the Netherlands ($978M), with a combined 21% share of global imports. France, Germany, Belgium, the UK, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain and Switzerland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.

Among the main importing countries, Austria, with a CAGR of +7.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not (42B units), distantly followed by tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (32B units) represented the major types of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, together mixing up 100% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key imported products, was attained by aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not (with a CAGR of +4.9%).

In value terms, the largest types of imported tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers were tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated ($7.8B) and aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not ($7.7B).

In terms of the main imported products, aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not, with a CAGR of +4.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices By Type

The average container import price stood at $0.2 per unit in 2022, jumping by 17% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a mild expansion. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated ($0.2 per unit), while the price for aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not totaled $0.2 per unit.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (+2.2%).

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average container import price amounted to $0.2 per unit, surging by 17% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a slight expansion. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($0.3 per unit), while Belgium ($0.1 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+6.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Tanks, Casks, Drums, Cans, Boxes And Similar Containers

In 2022, approx. 75B units of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers were exported worldwide; remaining stable against the year before. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 9.8%. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, container exports reached $15.8B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 19%. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

The United States (7.2B units), Germany (6.2B units), China (6.1B units), the Netherlands (4.6B units), Spain (3.2B units), Poland (2.7B units), France (2.6B units), the Czech Republic (2.6B units), Italy (2.5B units), the UK (2.2B units), Mexico (2B units) and Turkey (1.9B units) represented roughly 58% of total exports in 2022. Belgium (1.8B units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +7.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($2B), the United States ($1.5B) and Germany ($1.5B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 32% share of global exports. The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Poland, the UK, Turkey and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 33%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Mexico, with a CAGR of +8.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

In 2022, aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not (42B units), distantly followed by tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (33B units) were the major types of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, together mixing up 100% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not (with a CAGR of +5.0%).

In value terms, the largest types of exported tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers were tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated ($8.3B) and aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not ($7.5B).

Among the main exported products, aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not, with a CAGR of +4.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average container export price amounted to $0.2 per unit, surging by 9.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated ($0.3 per unit), while the average price for exports of aluminium casks, drums, cans, boxes etc (including rigid, collapsible tubular containers), for materials other than compressed, liquefied gas, 300l capacity or less, lined, heat-insulated or not totaled $0.2 per unit.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers, for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity not exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat-insulated (+2.5%).

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average container export price amounted to $0.2 per unit, with an increase of 9.2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price attained 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 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($0.3 per unit), while Belgium ($0.2 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+3.4%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform