Additives for cements, mortars, concretes market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish market for prepared cement additives expanded significantly from 42 622 t in 2020 to 59 581 t in 2022. This growth was supported by regulatory changes that widened the scope for using different cement types and admixtures. In 2020, the Swedish Transport Administration's requirement for slag- and fly-ash cement in construction concrete opened the market for portland fly-ash cement and granulated blast furnace slag, boosting demand for compatible additives. Updated exposure classes in 2021 under SS 137003:2021 further allowed more cement varieties and higher admixture volumes after certification, stimulating production and consumption.

Market volume contracted to 45 852 t in 2023 and to 40 983 t in 2024. This downturn coincided with the industry's shift toward stricter environmental standards. The Concrete Initiative's target for climate-neutral concrete by 2045 and the EU's tightened labeling requirements under the Construction Products Regulation drove development toward new, low-carbon additive formulations. Concurrently, updated Swedish building rules shifted from prescriptive standards to performance-based requirements, prompting a transitional adjustment in the market as manufacturers adapted their products.

Production additives for cements, mortars, concretes in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports additives for cements, mortars, concretes from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Sweden's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes rebounded in 2020. The export volume reached 8 426 tonnes, representing an 11.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 578 tonnes, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018 with a 22.9% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Norway, and Denmark were Sweden's top export destinations for additives in kind. Finland accounted for 25.5% of exports, Norway for 21.6%, and Denmark for 19.3%. Together, these three countries represented 66.3% of Sweden's total export flows in this category.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of contraction, Sweden's export value of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes increased in 2020. The country exported $15 113 thousand worth of these additives, marking a 24.4% rise from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $12 144 thousand, with the most significant decline occurring that same year at 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Sweden's export value of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes was distributed across a diverse range of partners. The United States led with 14.1% of exports, followed by Norway at 13.7% and Denmark at 11.0%. However, these three countries combined accounted for only 38.9% of total export flows, indicating a broad partner portfolio.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports additives for cements, mortars, concretes to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Sweden's import volume of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes decreased in 2020. Imports totaled 23 454 tonnes, showing a slight contraction of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 23 723 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Belgium, and Germany were the primary sources for Sweden's imports of additives in kind. Norway contributed 33.4% of imports, Belgium 27.8%, and Germany 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 74.6% of Sweden's total import flows in this category.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's import value of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported $24 720 thousand worth of these additives, equivalent to a modest 3.3% drop year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at $26 465 thousand. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.4% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 13.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium, Norway, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Sweden's imports of additives in value terms. Belgium accounted for 37.8% of imports, Norway for 25.5%, and Germany for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 74.9% of Sweden's total import flows in this category.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020