Candles and tapers market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The Austrian candle market volume grew from 26 135 t in 2018 to 28 171 t in 2019, supported by the expansion of key players like Hofer Kerzen into online sales and new markets. Consumer demand shifted towards trendy, quality candles with RAL certification, driven by the cozy 'Hygge' lifestyle trend. In 2019, the removal of EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese candle imports led to increased inflows of cheaper products, pressuring domestic manufacturers and contributing to import growth.

Market volume stabilized at around 28 172 t in 2020 before rising to 30 274 t in 2021, while market value jumped 21% to $97.4 million. The 2021 growth was driven by record sales at Hofer Kerzen, which expanded its retail and online presence, alongside increased consumer spending on home decoration. The rise of e-commerce, particularly among younger consumers, also influenced candle distribution.

After 2021, market size data is unavailable, but import and export figures show notable shifts. In 2022, import volume surged to 44 680 t and value to $136.1 million, partly due to global supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices that elevated costs. Imports then declined in subsequent years. Export value peaked at $39.0 million in 2022 before falling back. Retail market concentration and enduring consumer preference for sustainable, certified products continued to shape the market, with Hofer Kerzen pursuing further expansion plans.

Production candles and tapers in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Austria's candle and taper production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 555 K $ US, representing a modest decrease of 8.7% compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 3 069 K $ US, which marked the largest annual increase of 3.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.8% drop. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 13.7%, averaging an annual decline of 4.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Austria produced 436.8 tonnes of candles and tapers, reflecting a gradual decline of 7.4% from the previous year. Production reached its highest level in 2018 at 471.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports candles and tapers from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Austria exported 4 519 tonnes of candles and tapers in 2020, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 14.0%. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 3 965 tonnes, marking the largest annual decline of 19.9%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 4 952 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 24.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were the primary destinations for Austria's candle and taper exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 57.7% of exports, Italy for 14.3%, and Switzerland for 11.9%, collectively representing 83.9% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Austria's cross-border shipments of candles and tapers amounted to 15 041 K $ US, reflecting a 15.7% increase compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 623 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 32.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland formed the main cluster of markets for Austria's candle and taper exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 60.9% of export value, Italy for 14.9%, and Switzerland for 8.3%, together representing 84.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports candles and tapers to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's candle and taper import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 32 253 tonnes, up 1.9% year-over-year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 615 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 6.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 3.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands consistently led Austria's candle and taper imports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 35.6% of imports, Germany for 30.5%, and the Netherlands for 13.4%, collectively making up 79.5% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Austria's imports of candles and tapers amounted to 92 987 K $ US, showing a gradual increase of 3.8% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 89 619 K $ US, which also saw the largest annual decline of 4.1%. The peak occurred in 2018 at 93 492 K $ US.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 67.4% of Austria's total candle and taper import value.

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

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