Asphalt paving mixtures and blocks market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume of asphalt paving mixtures in Slovenia expanded rapidly from 451 thousand tons in 2018 to 801 thousand tons in 2020. This surge was primarily driven by the introduction of new construction legislation in June 2018, which simplified permit procedures and accelerated project execution. The presence of major state-owned producers like Tovarna asfalta Kidričevo, with automated capacities up to 120 tons per hour, ensured a reliable supply of quality mixtures. Concurrently, continuous technological advances in automation and computer-controlled production enabled manufacturers to meet rising infrastructure demand with more complex and specialized asphalt formulations.

Growth continued in 2021, reaching 858 thousand tons, though at a moderated pace. During this period, the industry increasingly adopted digitalization and telemetry to optimize production quality and efficiency. Environmental considerations gained prominence, with the share of recycled asphalt in mix production rising to around 20%, aligning with European sustainability standards and influencing both production methods and material costs.

In the following years, the sector adapted to regulatory changes in public procurement that introduced new forms of financial security for construction works. Ongoing innovation focused on further automation, digitalization, and sustainable material use continued to shape the industry's development. These factors coincided with a notable shift in trade patterns: imports of asphalt mixtures fell from 73 thousand tons in 2022 to 31 thousand tons in 2024, while exports rose to 32 thousand tons in 2024, reflecting changing market dynamics.

Production asphalt paving mixtures and blocks in Slovenia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovenia's production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 42 646 thousand US dollars, marking a 23.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 71.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 120 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 55.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovenia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Slovenia's production volume of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 746.6 thousand tonnes, up 34.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 76.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 20.8%. The minimum output was in 2018 at 374.8 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 11.4%. The biggest increase happened in 2019, with a rise of 48.1%.

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

Exports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Slovenia exported 4 789 tonnes of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, which is 77.1% lower than in 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 888 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 239.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was highly concentrated, with Croatia alone accounting for 98.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Exports reached a high in 2019 and dropped to a low in 2020, varying by 2.8 times. In 2020, Slovenia exported 495 thousand US dollars worth of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, reflecting a 64.0% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was in 2019 at 1 376 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a rise of 139.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Croatia dominated Slovenia's exports in value terms, capturing 79.5% of total flows, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovenia's imports of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks amounted to 59 418 tonnes, showing a slight uptick of 2.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 26.2%, with an average annual decline of 9.6%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 58 238 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 37.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 92 496 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 14.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia accounted for 79.3% of Slovenia's total imports in kind of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, with the rest spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks to Slovenia declined. In 2020, Slovenia imported 11 397 thousand US dollars worth of these products, reflecting a strong decline of 13.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 28.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 13 231 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 42.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Austria and Croatia concentrated the majority of Slovenia's imports in value terms of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

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