Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian market for anti-freezing preparations and de-icing fluids experienced a significant contraction in value from over 19 million USD in 2018 to under 7.5 million USD in 2023. This downward trend began amidst the implementation of stricter regulatory frameworks, such as the 16/2017 (VIII.7.) EMMI decree governing biocidal products, which applied to relevant fluids and likely constrained market activity by tightening compliance requirements for production and distribution.

Regulatory pressure intensified notably from 2022 onward with amendments to the EU's CLP Regulation (1272/2008/EC) imposing stricter classification, labeling, and packaging rules for hazardous substances. Concurrently, the freeze on EU funds to Hungary during this period indirectly impacted industrial investments, including in the chemical sector, contributing to the market's continued decline through 2023 as producers navigated the more complex compliance landscape and adjusted to constrained funding.

A partial market recovery to 10.2 million USD occurred in 2024. This turnaround was supported by industry adaptation to the new regulatory norms, a gradual easing of supply chain conditions for raw materials, and a growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly, less toxic propylene glycol-based anti-freezing fluids, which began reshaping product development and offerings.

Production anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Hungary's production of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids rebounded in value terms. In 2021, output reached 18 182 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.1% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 3.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 509 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's production of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in physical terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output totaled 20 136 tonnes, representing an 8.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 22 221 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 20.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in physical terms rose for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 12 689 tonnes, showing a moderate 5.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 89.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Romania remained the primary destination for Hungary's exports in physical terms, accounting for 70.1% of total flows, while the rest was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's exports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports were recorded at 14 220 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 13.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 86.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Romania, Czechia, and Slovakia were the key destinations for Hungary's exports in value terms, accounting for 64.9%, 7.2%, and 6.8% of total flows, respectively. Together, they represented 79.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in physical terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volume stood at 6 939 tonnes, indicating a 2.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 237 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 24.7%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Czechia, and Belgium consistently led as the top sources for Hungary's imports in physical terms, accounting for 31.4%, 16.9%, and 11.7% of total flows, respectively. Combined, they made up 60.0% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Hungary's imports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in value terms rebounded. In 2021, imports reached 10 670 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 35.8% year-over-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 12.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 7 857 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Belgium, and Austria remained the largest sources for Hungary's imports in value terms, together accounting for 57.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021