Thai Paper Packaging, 2013: Growing on Domestic Demand and Global Warming (Current Issue No. 2371 Full Ed.)

Growth in the Thai paper packaging industry is invariably linked to economic performance. Currently, there is consistent demand for paper packaging within the Thai industrial sector as well as abroad. We at KResearch expect that production of corrugated paper packaging in Thailand will grow perhaps 5.01 percent YoY to 613,000 tons in 2013, since our domestic production capacity has returned to normalcy, post-2011 flooding. Other supporting factors include productivity enhancements undertaken by manufacturers and 2.25 percent growth YoY projected for domestic sales this year.

It is expected that paper packaging exports in 2013 will remain static, inhibited by global economic uncertainty and volatile forex movements that typically affect exporters' incomes in Baht. As a result, it is expected that producers will focus on the domestic market, given strong demand here.

KResearch is of the view that Thai paper packaging producers should seize opportunities to expand production into ASEAN member states due to robust demand within the region. They should also act as suppliers for Thai food, consumer product and other industrial producers that have relocated elsewhere for brighter economic prospects and/or FDI benefits. This should help them expand distribution as well as their total export value.

To maintain their market shares abroad, producers should improve product design and durability along with finding means to reduce the amount of pulp and bleaching needed, since these efforts would help cut production costs over the long-term and better meet international requirements amid current environmental conservation trends.