Aluminium powders and flakes market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Technological innovations in the aluminium industry, such as the world's first carbon-free smelting process launched by Alcoa and Rio Tinto in 2018 and the opening of Norsk Hydro's aluminium research lab in Sweden in 2020, laid the groundwork for the development of the aluminium powders and flakes market. These investments in sustainable production and R&D contributed to the market's evolution by fostering innovation in aluminium applications.

The market volume surged by 49% to 3 605 t in 2021, with its value more than doubling to 12.5 million USD, primarily driven by a sharp rise in imports. This expansion aligned with the industry's heightened focus on sustainable technologies following the research lab's establishment. In 2022, market volume saw a modest contraction to 3 399 t, while value increased to 14.4 million USD, reflecting stronger pricing or a product mix shift.

In 2023 and 2024, market conditions were influenced by Sweden's significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly wind power, which bolstered demand for aluminium in turbine manufacturing. Additionally, the EU's regulatory approval in 2024 for using aluminium powders in biodegradable plastics created a new application avenue, while new extended producer responsibility rules for packaging reshaped the aluminium packaging segment.

Production aluminium powders and flakes 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 aluminium powders and flakes from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's cross-border shipments of aluminium powders and flakes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports were at a higher level, but by 2020 they had dropped to 1 501 tonnes. This represents a significant reduction of 23.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 26%, with an average annual decline of 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the leading destination for Sweden's aluminium powders and flakes exports in kind, accounting for 49.3% of the total. The Netherlands followed with 10.3%, and Spain with 7.4%. Together, these three countries made up 67.1% 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

Sweden's aluminium powders and flakes exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 7 454 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 24.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 30.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of decline of 11.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 10 863 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 1.3%.

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

In the period 2017–2020, the United Kingdom remained the top buyer of aluminium powders and flakes from Sweden in value terms, with a share of 46.5%. The Netherlands accounted for 10.1%, and Spain for 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 64.4% of Sweden's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports aluminium powders and flakes to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Foreign supplies of aluminium powders and flakes to Sweden increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 400 tonnes, up by 20.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 32%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 994 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 6.3% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the primary source for Sweden's aluminium powders and flakes imports in kind, contributing 46.0%. Germany followed with 33.8%, and Russia with 8.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 88.4% of 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

Aluminium powders and flakes deliveries to Sweden increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 3 859 thousand US dollars, showing a modest increase of 7.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 20.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%.

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

In 2017–2020, the United Kingdom led as the main destination in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms for aluminium powders and flakes to Sweden, with a share of 40.4%. Germany accounted for 31.7%, and Italy for 12.2%. Combined, these three countries made up 84.3% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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