Transport packaging, or shipping packaging, is becoming more and more important as it protects goods from impacts, vibrations, moisture, and dust during the logistics journey.
Besides keeping products safe and reducing losses, it also makes handling, stacking, and storage easier, while allowing multiple retail units to be combined into one stable load. Because it meets the needs of safety, convenience, and cost efficiency, transport packaging has become an essential part of today’s global supply chains.
In this article, we take a closer look at the Top 5 countries exporting transport packaging to the United States. The insights here are our own analysis, based on reliable trade data such as U.S. Trade Numbers (Plastic Boxes & Containers Import Data).
Top 5 countries export Transport Packaging to USA
The US import market for transport packaging is growing fast. Here are the five leading supplier countries and their key advantages;
1. China
China remains the leading exporter of transport packaging to the United States, covering a wide range of categories from corrugated boxes to advanced plastic container solutions. Key export categories:
- Corrugated boxes: $200.97 billion exported.
- Plastic containers: $993.26 million (3rd globally).
- Container plastics: 447,944 shipments to the US.
- Packaging materials overall: 67% market share with 584,058 shipments.
China’s dominance is built on its abundant low-cost labor, which allows manufacturers to produce packaging at ultra-competitive prices, making it the most affordable source for the US market.
Notable Chinese transport packaging companies: Shanying International (corrugated & recycled carton solutions), Hexing Packaging (eco-friendly corrugated & cushioning packaging), and CIMC (world-leading container manufacturer with over 2 million TEU annually).
2. Canada
Canada ranks as the top supplier of plastic boxes and containers to the USA with $1.32 billion in exports. As the USA’s neighboring partner, Canada benefits from proximity and long-established trade relationships. Key export categories:
- Geographic proximity: Reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times.
- USMCA benefits: Favorable trading terms under the North American agreement.
- Corrugated products: $238.48 billion in corrugated boxes exports, making Canada the largest supplier.
- Diversified supply: Strong presence across multiple transport packaging categories.
Canada’s position is further strengthened by its integration into North American supply chains and highly efficient cross-border logistics networks.
Notable Canadian transport packaging companies: Amcor Group (plastic containers & eco-friendly packaging), Crown Packaging (custom corrugated boxes), and BC Box Manufacturing (sustainable paper & corrugated packaging).
3. Mexico
Mexico is the second-largest supplier of plastic containers to the USA, with exports valued at $1.07 billion. Its strategic location and trade agreements make it a crucial partner in the transport packaging sector. Key export categories:
- Corrugated boxes: $163.57 billion in exports to the USA.
- Container plastics: 682,725 shipments, ranking 2nd globally.
- Trade integration: Accounts for 15.2% of total US imports, valued at $509.98 billion.
- Supply chain efficiency: Optimized logistics networks for the North American market.
Mexico’s advantages include favorable USMCA terms, close proximity to US markets, and a strong manufacturing infrastructure that supports reliable and large-scale packaging supply.
Notable Mexican transport packaging companies: Amcor Group (sustainable plastic & flexible packaging), Grupo Gondi (corrugated boxes & innovative printing solutions), and Winpak Ltd. (thin-film plastic & flexible packaging for food, beverages, and pharma).
4. Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a rapidly growing supplier of transport packaging to the USA, with significant expansion across multiple categories. Key export categories:
- Corrugated boxes: 1,547,698 shipments, accounting for 54% of US imports.
- Plastic containers: $266.35 million in exports.
- Container shipping: Cost-effective rates at around $4,850 for 20ft containers.
- Market share: 7% of total US packaging materials imports.
Vietnam’s growth story is not without challenges. Recent anti-dumping investigations on polypropylene containers have alleged margins of 40.85%, creating regulatory pressure in this segment.
At the same time, Vietnam enjoys a strategic location with shipping times of just 5–20 days to US markets. This logistics advantage allows American buyers to secure deliveries faster than from other Asian exporters.
Most importantly, while Vietnam also benefits from low-cost labor, it does not follow China’s path of competing solely on scale and ultra-low pricing. Instead, Vietnam emphasizes quality-driven production, standardized processes, and compliance with international standards, which enhances its reputation as a reliable partner for US importers.
Notable Vietnamese transport packaging companies: K-Packing (corrugated & paper transport packaging), Duy Tan Plastics (rigid polypropylene plastic containers), Viet Hung Packaging (modern corrugated solutions for consumer & industrial goods).
5. Germany
Germany maintains its position as a premium supplier of transport packaging solutions to the USA, focusing on high-quality and technologically advanced products. Key export categories:
- Plastic containers: $104.74 million in exports.
- Premium positioning: Strong emphasis on precision engineering and quality standards.
- Technology leadership: Advanced manufacturing capabilities in specialized packaging.
- Total trade volume: $163.54 billion overall exports to the USA.
Germany’s competitive advantage lies in its global reputation for quality, technological innovation, and specialized solutions designed for high-value applications such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and precision machinery. This makes Germany the preferred partner for US buyers seeking premium and highly reliable transport packaging.
Notable German transport packaging companies: Amcor Group GmbH (rigid plastics & high-tech packaging), Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG (technical plastic containers & specialty packaging), Sixl Verpackungsfabrik GmbH (corrugated boxes & sustainable transport packaging).
Which country should you Import Transport Packaging from?
The top five exporters – Canada, Mexico, China, Vietnam, and Germany – each offer unique advantages. Depending on whether you prioritize cost, quality, or speed, one country will fit your needs better than the others:
- China remains a dominant force for those prioritizing ultra-low prices. Thanks to its massive workforce, low labor costs, and large-scale production capacity, China supplies corrugated boxes, plastic containers, and other transport packaging at prices more competitive than any other country.
- Canada ranks as the top supplier of plastic containers and corrugated boxes to the USA. With geographic proximity, favorable USMCA terms, and efficient cross-border logistics, Canada is the best choice when speed, reliability, and integrated North American supply chains are priorities.
- Mexico follows closely as the second-largest partner. Its strategic location, cost-effective logistics, and strong manufacturing base make Mexico a dependable source of corrugated boxes and plastic containers, especially for businesses seeking fast deliveries and stable trade under USMCA.
- Vietnam is rapidly gaining ground as a supplier of transport packaging, offering a balance of quality and competitive costs. With skilled yet low-cost labor, standardized production, and strategic shipping routes, Vietnam is becoming a reliable choice for corrugated and rigid plastic packaging.
- Germany, while smaller in export volume, is the go-to option for premium, high-value packaging. German manufacturers excel in precision engineering, advanced technology, and strict compliance, making them ideal for specialized transport packaging in industries like automotive and pharmaceuticals.
Key considerations when importing transport Packaging in bulk
When sourcing transport packaging at large volumes, quality consistency must be the top priority. Even small defects in corrugated boxes or plastic containers can lead to significant losses during shipping, so strict quality control agreements with suppliers are essential.
Compliance with international standards is equally important. For industries like food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals, transport packaging must meet US regulatory requirements. Importers should ensure documentation such as ISO, FDA, EN, or ASTM certifications to avoid customs delays or legal risks.
Logistics and lead times play a critical role in bulk imports. Corrugated boxes and plastic containers require careful planning of container capacity, shipping routes, and customs procedures. Proximity gives Mexico and Canada a clear advantage, while imports from Asia (China, Vietnam) demand longer lead times and reliable freight partners.
Finally, companies should negotiate pricing, payment terms, and long-term contracts. Securing bulk discounts, stable raw material costs, and flexible payment conditions can protect against currency fluctuations and market volatility, ensuring a stable and cost-effective supply of transport packaging.
Conclusion
The US transport packaging market is driven by five key partners, each offering unique strengths. China leads with low-cost, large-scale production, while Germany supplies premium, high-value solutions. Vietnam provides a balance of quality and competitive pricing, and Mexico and Canada stand out for speed and stable supply under USMCA.
For US importers, the right choice depends on priorities: lowest cost with China, premium positioning with Germany, balanced quality and price with Vietnam, or fast and reliable logistics with Mexico and Canada.
To maximize value when importing in bulk, businesses should focus on quality control, regulatory compliance, and logistics planning, ensuring transport packaging is both cost-effective and dependable.
