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

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for anti-freezing preparations and de-icing fluids grew to 11,660 tonnes in 2019 before contracting sharply to 8,793 tonnes in 2020. This decline was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced automotive and industrial activity and suppressed demand across the sector.

Market volumes remained below 8,100 tonnes in 2021 and 2022 as pandemic-related disruptions lingered. During this period, the industry adapted to European environmental regulations, with Epta Portugal installing its first CO2 transcritical system in 2022, representing an investment in advanced, sustainable refrigeration technologies relevant to the broader fluids market.

By 2023, the market volume recovered to 8,794 tonnes, while its value continued a steady climb to $11.9 million, indicating shifts in product mix or pricing alongside the gradual normalization of economic conditions.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the production value of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids reached 2,174 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a 13.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 17.9%, with an average annual decrease of 6.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,992 thousand US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 1,908 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 36.2% decrease.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal produced 3,533 tonnes of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in 2021, showing a 2.3% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 24.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 8.8%. The peak was in 2019 with 5,692 tonnes, and the trough was in 2020 with 3,455 tonnes. The largest decrease happened in 2020 at 39.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 22.1%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids from Portugal reached a low point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, export volumes totaled 634 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 144.2% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 260 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 30.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Angola, Spain, and Algeria were the main markets for Portugal's exports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in kind. Angola accounted for 30.8% of exports, Spain for 23.2%, and Algeria for 13.8%, together making up 67.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Export values of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids from Portugal hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between the two. In 2021, export volumes amounted to 861 thousand US dollars, indicating an 87.6% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was in 2020 at 459 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was also in 2020 at 30.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Angola, Spain, and Cabo Verde emerged as the primary markets for Portugal's exports in value terms. Angola represented 43.9% of exports, Spain 18.4%, and Cabo Verde 10.9%, collectively accounting for 73.2% of total flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in kind declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volumes totaled 3,455 tonnes, down by 8.3% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 9.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.3%. The highest value was in 2019 at 6,296 tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2020 at 11.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 11.0%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Spain and Germany were the dominant suppliers of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids to Portugal in kind, together accounting for 87.8% of total imports. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, Portugal's imports of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids in value terms increased. In 2021, import volumes reached 7,858 thousand US dollars, marking a solid gain of 18.4% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 6.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 6,639 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 14.0%.

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

During 2018–2021, Spain and Germany were the leading suppliers of anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids to Portugal in value terms, together representing 83.2% of total imports. Other partners contributed less significantly to the overall picture.

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

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