Candles and tapers market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian candle market began the period with a growing emphasis on natural materials, as the expansion of organic agriculture and increased consumer demand for organic products in 2018 highlighted the potential for candles made from beeswax and other sustainable sources. Market volume remained relatively stable around 2 600 t until 2020, then surged by 53.5% to 4 020 t in 2021.

In 2022, market volume fell 19.1% to 3 254 t. This decline coincided with the end of COVID-19 restrictions, after which market activity remained subdued, affecting retail sales. During the same year, new product segments such as powder candles and candle powder emerged, offering smokeless and safe alternatives that blend Estonian design and craftsmanship. Producers also focused more on natural waxes like rapeseed, soy, and beeswax, underscoring sustainability and local artisan value. Marketing increasingly shifted toward social media and influencer promotion, altering how candles are promoted and consumed.

Post-2022, the market rebounded in 2023, rising 26.7% to 4 122 t. However, 2024 saw a 7.7% contraction to 3 803 t, indicating ongoing volatility. Throughout the period, domestic candle production trended downward after peaking in 2021, influencing domestic supply availability.

Production candles and tapers in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of candles and tapers has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output value reached 26 624 thousand US dollars, marking a significant rise of 16.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 37.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's production volume of candles and tapers has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 12 316 tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports candles and tapers from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's export volume of candles and tapers has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 11 890 tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 26.4%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Estonia's exports of candles and tapers in volume terms were Sweden, accounting for 46.7% of exports, Finland with 28.7%, and the United States at 8.1%. Together, these three countries represented 83.5% 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 export value of candles and tapers has increased for the third year running. In 2021, exports amounted to 26 386 thousand US dollars, up by 10.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 38.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden led Estonia's export structure in value terms with a 42.7% share, followed by Finland at 30.4%, and the United States at 8.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 81.6% 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 candles and tapers to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's import volume of candles and tapers has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 3 594 tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 30.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 51.7%, equating to an average annual rate of 14.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 242 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland was the dominant source for Estonia's imports of candles and tapers in volume terms, holding a 58.2% share. China followed with 10.7%, and Lithuania with 6.5%. Together, these three countries made up 75.4% of total import flows.

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 import value of candles and tapers has risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 6 198 thousand US dollars, indicating a dramatic increase of 31.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports expanded by 43.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 198 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland topped the list of suppliers to Estonia in value terms with a 45.3% share of imports. China was next at 20.3%, followed by Finland with 7.4%. These three countries together accounted for 73.0% of total import value.

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

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