Candles and tapers market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish market for candles and tapers experienced a dramatic shift between 2018 and 2024. Measured in tonnes, total market volume dropped sharply from 14 879 tonnes in 2018 to 8 103 tonnes in 2019. This was followed by a steady recovery over the next five years, reaching 10 411 tonnes by 2024. In value terms, however, the market showed resilience and growth, expanding from USD 43.1 million in 2018 to USD 54.2 million in 2024, indicating a move towards higher-value products.

This period saw a fundamental change in the supply structure. Domestic production more than doubled, from 1 991 tonnes in 2018 to 4 784 tonnes in 2024. Imports, which had accounted for the bulk of supply, fell significantly from their 2018 peak of 14 076 tonnes and stabilized around 7 000–8 000 tonnes thereafter. Concurrently, exports grew consistently, rising from 1 189 tonnes to 2 253 tonnes, reflecting an increase in outward sales.

From 2022 onward, the market value demonstrated volatility, peaking at USD 53.3 million in 2022 before dipping to USD 49.3 million in 2023 and then climbing to a new high of USD 54.2 million in 2024. The physical market volume continued its gradual upward trajectory during these final years, increasing from 9 212 tonnes in 2022 to 10 411 tonnes in 2024.

Production candles and tapers in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Ireland's candle and taper production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 10 672 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 26.3% reduction compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 14 945 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Candle and taper production in Ireland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 2 007 tonnes were produced, representing a small rise of 0.8% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 2.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%.

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

Exports candles and tapers from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

Foreign candle and taper supplies from Ireland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 793 tonnes, reflecting a robust decline of 20.2% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 189 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 23.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States played the leading roles in Ireland's candle and taper exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 63.0% of exports, Spain for 8.3%, and the United States for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 78.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Candle and taper shipments from Ireland to abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 581 thousand US dollars, amounting to a significant decline of 11.9% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 571 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 37.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 16.3%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain consistently occupied leading positions in Ireland's candle and taper exports by value. The United Kingdom accounted for 61.6% of exports, the United States for 8.1%, and Spain for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented 77.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports candles and tapers to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year drop, candle and taper shipments to Ireland from abroad increased. In 2020, imports totalled 7 963 tonnes, up by 12.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 090 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 49.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 54.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.2%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and China were the largest suppliers of candles and tapers to Ireland by volume. Denmark accounted for 30.7% of imports, the United Kingdom for 18.8%, and China for 15.8%. Together, these three countries formed 65.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ireland's candle and taper imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 39 113 thousand US dollars, marking an uptick of 7.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, China, and Poland formed the main cluster of markets for Ireland's candle and taper imports by value. The United Kingdom accounted for 54.1% of imports, China for 16.9%, and Poland for 6.1%. Together, these three countries represented 77.1% of total import flows.

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

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