Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish market for asphalt paving mixtures showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2024, starting at 4.1 million tonnes before declining in 2019. This initial period was characterized by a strong industry focus on recycling existing materials and producing warm-mix and climate-friendly asphalt to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. Market volume recovered in 2020, supported by large climate adaptation infrastructure projects like the Svanemøllen Skybrudstunnel, which required new asphalt and was enabled by specific environmental permits for major construction.

Following another dip in 2021, the market stabilized around 3.2 million tonnes in 2022. This period saw the promotion of specific low-CO2 asphalt types like TB-k, which claimed a 38% reduction in emissions, alongside a shift towards electronically controlled production to ensure quality. These developments helped maintain market activity. Subsequent growth in 2023 and 2024, with volume reaching 4.0 million tonnes, reflected ongoing demand for road construction and maintenance materials.

Throughout the full period, technological innovation remained a key theme, with continuous development of noise-reducing, drainable, and more durable pavement layers. These product advancements, aimed at meeting environmental regulations and changing consumer preferences for sustainable infrastructure, shaped the market's long-term direction without being the primary driver of annual volume shifts.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Denmark's output of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks was valued at 282.3 million US dollars, marking a 1.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, at 12.2%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2020, at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Denmark produced 3 169 thousand tonnes of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, representing a significant 14.8% decline compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 21.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The steepest decrease was in 2019, at 17.8%, whereas the largest rise was in 2020, at 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Exports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Denmark declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 1 600 tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 19.4%, with an annualized rate of 6.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 1 992 tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2020 at 19.6%, and the biggest increase in 2019 at 48.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Norway, and Greenland remained the primary buyers of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Denmark in volume terms, accounting for 34.0%, 27.1%, and 13.6% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 74.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's export value of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks reached 3 073 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 3.0% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 28.2%, with an annualized rate of 8.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 447 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline was in 2020 at 13.4%, and the greatest increase was in 2019 at 43.9%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Norway, and Finland continued to be the main markets for Denmark's asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in value terms, with shares of 35.0%, 27.8%, and 13.2%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 76.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 20 336 tonnes and peaked in 2021 at 44 450 tonnes, resulting in a 2.2-fold difference. In 2021, imports surged by 118.6% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 30.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden and the Netherlands dominated Denmark's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in volume terms, jointly representing 89.7% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest in 2020 at 2 204 thousand US dollars and reached their highest in 2021 at 3 960 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.8-fold gap. In 2021, imports jumped by 79.7% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 11.4%.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, Israel, and Sweden formed the key cluster of markets for Denmark's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in value terms, with shares of 33.3%, 21.6%, and 21.5%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 76.5% of total import flows.

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

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