Builders’ wares of plastics market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for plastic builders' wares began the period with regulatory updates influencing product standards and construction activity. In 2018, specific requirements for solid-wall PVC sewer pipes were established, directing demand toward certified products. Market value saw a slight dip in 2019, a year marked by EU norms targeting marine plastic litter, though their direct impact on construction materials was limited. A rebound followed in 2020, coinciding with the revision of local government master plans due to an administrative reform, which likely stimulated demand for building materials.

A pronounced surge in market value characterized 2021 and 2022. This period saw growing industry interest in developing chemical recycling capacity for secondary plastics, signaling sector modernization. The sharp increase in market size in monetary terms during 2022 was primarily driven by a significant rise in construction material prices, which elevated the overall market value despite public sector investment cuts creating headwinds for infrastructure projects.

The market value contracted in 2023, a year that introduced new EU construction product regulations scheduled for 2025 and a national green transition action plan, factors that contributed to market adjustment. A modest recovery occurred in 2024 as rules from the Single-Use Plastics Directive began phasing in, banning certain oxidatively degradable plastics. In 2025, the updated Construction Products Regulation entered into force, alongside amendments to the Building Code aimed at reducing bureaucracy, marking the latest step in the evolving regulatory framework.

Production plastic builders’ wares in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of builders' wares of plastics has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 80 378 thousand US dollars, marking a 28.4% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 47.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.8%.

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

Exports plastic builders’ wares from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's exports of builders' wares of plastics have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 4 269 tonnes, showing a modest gain of 2.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 41.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 12.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands were the main destinations for Estonia's exports of builders' wares of plastics by volume. Sweden accounted for 28.9% of exports, Finland for 26.4%, and the Netherlands for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up 67.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's exports of builders' wares of plastics have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, export value amounted to 27 355 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 17.2% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 41%, with an annualized rate of 12.1%.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands were the primary buyers of builders' wares of plastics from Estonia in value terms. Finland represented 26.4% of exports, Sweden 23.8%, and the Netherlands 12.9%. Collectively, they accounted for 63.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports plastic builders’ wares to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's imports of builders' wares of plastics have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 6 858 tonnes, equivalent to a significant gain of 26.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 16%, with an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 743 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 19.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Estonia's imports of builders' wares of plastics by volume came from a diverse range of suppliers. Poland led with 22.3% of imports, followed by Germany at 16.0% and China at 10.2%. Together, these three countries contributed 48.6% of total imports, while many others held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's imports of builders' wares of plastics have grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 24 259 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 44.8% from 2020. Over the period 2018-2021, imports increased by 28.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 15 716 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.7%.

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

Over 2018–2021, Poland, Germany, and Finland consistently led as the top sources for Estonia's imports of builders' wares of plastics in value terms. Poland accounted for 22.7% of imports, Germany for 17.0%, and Finland for 12.9%. Together, they made up 52.6% of total import flows.

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

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