Builders’ wares of plastics market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic builders' wares in Hungary expanded from USD 291.6 million in 2018 to USD 321.6 million in 2019, driven by a surge in construction investment. This growth was further supported by increased demand for plastic additives to comply with stricter fire safety regulations introduced that year. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing material shortages and price hikes that led to a slight market contraction to USD 309.1 million.

Subsequent years saw significant price volatility. In 2021, construction material prices jumped by 30% due to global trade disruptions and widespread shortages of key inputs like wood, steel, and plastics across Europe. The Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 exacerbated the situation, pushing up energy costs and material prices by 15-25%, although state subsidies helped sustain renovation demand. New product segments, such as PVC-free plastic spacers, also emerged. By 2023, prices began to adjust downward as demand weakened, while rising fuel costs and tax burdens affected some product categories.

By 2024, construction material prices had bottomed out, and the market volume stabilized at USD 306.1 million. Construction companies' capacities became more available, benefiting builders, while market competition and energy-efficiency programs influenced market dynamics.

Production plastic builders’ wares in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In Hungary, the output value of builders' wares of plastics was 256.2 million US dollars in 2020, showing a gradual decrease of 5.7% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 271.7 million US dollars, which represented the largest increase of 8.6% during the period. Over the three-year span from 2018 to 2020, production increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

Exports plastic builders’ wares from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's cross-border shipments of builders' wares of plastics amounted to 16 323 tonnes, up by 20.6% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 3.5%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 22.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the partner structure for exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany accounted for 23.2% of exports in kind, Slovakia for 10.1%, and Romania for 8.5%, jointly representing 41.9% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 58.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Builders' wares of plastics volumes leaving Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary exported 106.6 million US dollars of these goods, which is 63.6% higher compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 88.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.5%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Germany accounted for 18.8% of exports in value terms, Austria for 11.9%, and Slovakia for 10.7%, jointly accounting for just 41.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic builders’ wares to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's builders' wares of plastics volumes totalled 57 219 tonnes, up by 34.3% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 42 613 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 33.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Austria consistently remained the main destinations for imports in kind. Poland accounted for 34.4% of imports in kind, Germany for 18.2%, and Austria for 6.9%, together accounting for 59.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Builders' wares of plastics imports into Hungary increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the import volume reached 158.6 million US dollars, marking a rise of 34.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 61.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 17.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Austria formed the main group of destinations for imports in value terms of builders' wares of plastics to Hungary. Poland accounted for 28.0% of imports in value terms, Germany for 22.7%, and Austria for 6.4%, with a combined share of 57.1% of total flows.

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

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