Boron oxides and boric acids market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for boron oxides and boric acids in Portugal expanded from 319 tons in 2019 to 559 tons in 2023. This growth was underpinned by the strength of the country's chemical, rubber, and plastics industry, which reported a turnover of 12 billion euros in 2021 and served sectors such as automotive and construction, boosting demand for boron compounds.

In 2024, the European Commission adopted an implementing decision that extended the approval period for the use of boric acid in type 8 biocidal products, directly supporting market demand in Portugal. Concurrently, the global borate mineral market was valued at $2.53 billion, reflecting sustained industrial demand worldwide.

By 2025, new regulatory measures came into effect, including a Portuguese ordinance on the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances and EU amendments restricting carcinogenic substances. These changes influenced the conditions for using boric acid, coinciding with a shift in import volumes while exports remained substantial.

Production boron oxides and boric acids in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, $ US

In 2020, Portugal's output of boron oxides and boric acids was valued at 20,508 US dollars, marking a 19.0% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

In 2020, Portugal produced 8,200 kilograms of boron oxides and boric acids, representing a 15.5% rise year-over-year.

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

Exports boron oxides and boric acids from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2.0 tonnes, then peaked in 2021 at 24.2 tonnes, a 12.2-fold difference. In 2021, Portugal exported 24.2 tonnes of boron oxides and boric acids, a 69.7% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 85.6%, while the largest increase was in 2020, surging by 621.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa, Angola, and Spain remained the primary buyers of boron oxides and boric acids from Portugal in terms of volume. South Africa accounted for 47.5% of exports, Angola for 23.1%, and Spain for 9.3%, together making up 79.9% of total exports.

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

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 4.3 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2021 at 83.7 thousand US dollars, a 20-fold change. In 2021, Portugal's exports of boron oxides and boric acids totaled 83.7 thousand US dollars, reflecting a notable 16.3% year-over-year increase. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 86.3%, while the largest increase was in 2020, jumping by 1,584.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa, Angola, and Turkey were the biggest contributors to Portugal's exports in value terms. South Africa made up 58.2% of exports, Angola 11.3%, and Turkey 9.4%, collectively accounting for 78.9% 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 boron oxides and boric acids to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of boron oxides and boric acids increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 546.7 tonnes, indicating a dramatic 32.2% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 313.8 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 38.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Turkey clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in kind, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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 decline, Portugal's imports of boron oxides and boric acids from abroad increased. In 2021, imports totaled 527.1 thousand US dollars, showing a 27.1% gain versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 25.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 414.6 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 40.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and Turkey were the main directions for imports in value terms, jointly taking 86.5% of total flows, while the residual share was split among other markets.

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

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