Corrugated boxes to flexible films — LATAM and Africa producers ready for US buyers.

The global printing and packaging industry is a cornerstone of modern commerce, with the United States representing the world’s largest market for packaging products, valued at over $200 billion annually. For suppliers in Latin America and Africa, this presents a substantial opportunity: US buyers—from food and beverage companies to pharmaceutical firms and e-commerce retailers—rely on a steady stream of corrugated boxes, folding cartons, flexible films, labels, and specialty printed materials. Yet navigating the US market requires more than just competitive pricing; it demands an understanding of complex regulatory frameworks, quality standards, and buyer-specific specifications.

Coppermont bridges this gap, connecting US buyers with vetted printing and packaging producers in Latin America and Africa while guiding exporters through every step of market entry.

Latin America has long been a significant supplier of printing and packaging to the United States, with countries like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile exporting billions of dollars in paperboard, plastic packaging, and printed materials annually. Meanwhile, African nations such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco are emerging as competitive sources for corrugated packaging, flexographic printing, and sustainable packaging solutions. The shift toward eco-friendly and recyclable packaging in the US market, driven by consumer demand and state-level regulations, has opened new corridors for suppliers offering renewable and biodegradable options.

Coppermont works with producers across these regions to ensure their products meet US standards and buyer expectations.

Exporting Printing & Packaging to the US

US buyers of printing and packaging span a wide range of industries. The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer of packaging, requiring everything from primary packaging like bottles and pouches to secondary packaging such as corrugated shippers and display boxes. Pharmaceutical companies demand high-quality folding cartons and labels with stringent traceability and child-resistant features.

E-commerce and retail giants seek durable corrugated boxes and void-fill materials for shipping. Additionally, the cosmetics and personal care industry requires premium printed packaging with intricate designs and finishes. For Latin American and African suppliers, key export products include corrugated containers (HS 4819), paper sacks and bags (HS 4819), plastic caps and closures (HS 3923), flexible packaging films (HS 3921), and printed labels (HS 4821).

Mexico is the largest Latin American exporter of packaging to the US, with corrugated paper and paperboard exports exceeding $2.5 billion in 2023, according to the USITC. Brazil follows with strong exports of plastic packaging and printed materials, while Colombia and Chile are notable for paper-based packaging. In Africa, South Africa leads in paper and paperboard exports, with annual shipments to the US valued at over $300 million.

Kenya and Morocco are growing their presence in flexible packaging and labels, particularly for organic and fair-trade products. Coppermont’s network includes dozens of vetted manufacturers across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, each evaluated for production capacity, quality control, and compliance with US standards such as FDA regulations for food-contact materials and ASTM testing for packaging durability.

Importing Printing & Packaging from the US

While the primary trade flow is from Latin America and Africa to the US, there is also significant demand for US-origin printing and packaging materials in these regions. US exporters supply high-end printing presses, ink, adhesives, and specialty substrates to packaging converters in Latin America and Africa. For example, US-made flexographic and digital printing equipment is sought after by packaging producers in Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa for its reliability and advanced capabilities.

Additionally, US-origin recycled paperboard and kraft paper are imported by Latin American converters to produce corrugated boxes for local markets. Coppermont assists US-based suppliers in identifying qualified buyers and distributors in these regions, managing logistics, customs clearance, and payment terms to facilitate smooth cross-border transactions.

Regulatory and Compliance Overview

The US regulatory environment for printing and packaging is multifaceted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaging materials that come into contact with food, requiring compliance with 21 CFR parts 170-199 for indirect food additives. This includes migration testing for inks, adhesives, and coatings.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees packaging for children’s products, including requirements for small parts and labeling. Environmental regulations, particularly in states like California, Maine, and Oregon, mandate minimum recycled content and recyclability criteria for packaging. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) governs chemicals used in inks and coatings.

Suppliers must also adhere to ASTM standards for package testing, such as ASTM D4169 for distribution packaging and ASTM F2097 for label design. Coppermont’s compliance team provides detailed guidance on these requirements, coordinating with third-party testing labs to certify products before shipment.

Countries and Trade Corridors

Key trade corridors for printing and packaging include Mexico–US, Brazil–US, Colombia–US, Chile–US, and South Africa–US. Mexico is by far the largest partner, with over 80% of its packaging exports destined for the US, facilitated by the USMCA trade agreement that eliminates tariffs on most paper and plastic packaging products. Brazil benefits from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain paper products, reducing duties.

Colombia and Chile have free trade agreements with the US, providing preferential access for their packaging exports. In Africa, South Africa benefits from AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) for duty-free entry of many packaging materials, while Kenya and Morocco are leveraging bilateral trade preferences. Coppermont maintains on-the-ground presence in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, enabling rapid supplier vetting, quality audits, and logistics coordination.