Builders’ wares of plastics market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic builders' wares in Croatia expanded from $178.2 million in 2018 to $282.7 million in 2024. Growth was particularly strong in 2021 when the market surged to $237.4 million, followed by consistent increases in subsequent years. This expansion was primarily driven by heightened demand for plastic construction products due to their thermal insulation properties and energy efficiency requirements, leading to wider adoption in building applications.

Regulatory alignment with EU directives shaped the market environment. The European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, implemented from 2018, emphasized sustainability and recycling in construction. In 2021, Croatia's new Waste Management Law introduced producer registration and extended responsibility for plastic products. These measures encouraged the use of recycled plastics in construction materials and fostered innovation in sustainable building solutions.

Global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices, evident from 2022 onward, contributed to higher market values in dollar terms. Despite a brief stabilization in 2020, the market continued to grow, supported by an increasing number of manufacturers, which reached 979 companies in 2023, indicating sectoral expansion and robust demand.

Production plastic builders’ wares in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Croatia's production of builders' wares made from plastics declined. In 2019, output reached its peak at 149.7 million US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 144.7 million US dollars, a decrease of 3.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 6.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 6.4%.

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

Exports plastic builders’ wares from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's export volume of builders' wares made from plastics increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 5 908 tonnes, marking a moderate rise of 9.1% compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 18.7%, with an average annual decline of 6.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 059 tonnes, which also saw the largest drop of 30.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Croatia's exports of builders' wares made from plastics were Slovenia, Germany, and Italy. Slovenia accounted for 29.2% of exports in volume, Germany for 22.6%, and Italy for 16.0%. Together, these three countries made up 67.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of Croatia's exports of builders' wares made from plastics increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 28 632 thousand US dollars, up 10.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, export value decreased by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 25 982 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018, falling by 16.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Germany, and Italy were the primary markets for Croatia's exports of builders' wares made from plastics in value terms. Slovenia represented 24.9% of export value, Germany 23.1%, and Italy 16.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 64.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plastic builders’ wares to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's import volume of builders' wares made from plastics grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 18 670 tonnes, an increase of 7.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 34.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia's imports of builders' wares made from plastics in volume terms were spread across a diverse range of partners. Bosnia and Herzegovina led with 24.8% of imports, followed by Germany at 11.9% and Slovenia at 11.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 47.9% of total imports, while the remaining 52.1% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's import value of builders' wares made from plastics increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 70 805 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest rise of 9.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 40.7%, equating to an average annual increase of 12.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Croatia's imports of builders' wares made from plastics in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 19.9% of import value, Germany for 17.3%, and Slovenia for 12.4%. Combined, these three countries made up 49.6% of total import flows, with the rest spread across various other markets.

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

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