Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish market for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks grew strongly from M $ US 376.5 in 2018 to M $ US 421.3 in 2019. This expansion was supported by the active promotion and use of Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) to meet demand for sustainable materials, driven by industry collaboration between the Irish Asphalt Pavement Producers Association and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Concurrently, increased adoption of Warm Mix Asphalt technologies helped reduce production temperatures, improving environmental and working conditions.

Market value contracted to M $ US 397.3 in 2020, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains and delays in infrastructure projects. A recovery began in 2021, with the market reaching M $ US 407.0. The publication of national by-product criteria by the Environmental Protection Agency that year facilitated the safe reuse of Site-Won Asphalt as a raw material, supporting this rebound by easing the integration of recycled materials into new mixes.

In subsequent years, regulatory and policy efforts continued to promote recycled and sustainable materials, aligned with circular economy goals. The industry saw significant technological innovations, including expanded pilot projects for bio-modified binders and high-RAP content mixes. However, a major challenge emerged with an 88% year-on-year surge in the import price of natural bitumen and asphalt in 2024, increasing production costs amid high raw material price volatility and a growing reliance on imported recycled asphalt products.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Ireland's production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks declined in 2020. The output was valued at 386.4 M $ US, marking a moderate 6.3% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 10.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 412.4 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Ireland produced 3 445 K t of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, representing a sharp 96.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Ireland

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 161-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Ireland exported 0.1 K t of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, showing a steep 32.6% year-over-year rise. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 99.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the market structure was highly concentrated, with the United Kingdom accounting for 100.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2017, varying 4.9 times between these years. In 2020, Ireland's export value of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks reached 191 K $ US, equivalent to a 25.6% year-over-year gain. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 110 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 79.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 38.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Ireland, accounting for 99.2% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Ireland

Imports in kind, K t

Ireland's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 125.0 K t, reflecting a strong 37.2% year-over-year growth. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 36.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 66.9 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 27.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom was the key partner for imports in kind, accounting for 99.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ireland's import volume of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 11 080 K $ US, showing a strong 22.2% gain from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports doubled, equating to a 26.0% annualized growth rate.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom remained the almost exclusive supplier of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Ireland, with a 93.0% share of total imports in value terms.

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

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