Candles and tapers market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for candles and tapers saw gradual growth from 2018 to 2020, with its size rising from 55 826 thousand US dollars to 58 063 thousand US dollars. This period was marked by institutional recognition of artisanal candle-making heritage, including the classification of Caza Velas Loreto's store as a 'Store with History' in 2017 and the formal marking of its workshop as a production unit in 2018, underscoring the cultural value of traditional craft.

A substantial expansion followed in 2021, as the market surged by over 33% to 77 620 thousand US dollars. Growth continued into 2022, reaching 84 488 thousand US dollars, driven in part by the strategic diversification of established manufacturers. Fábrica de Velas Condestável, a family-owned company, began focusing on new segments like decorative and aromatic candles for both national and international markets, with daily production indicating a broadening portfolio that stimulated demand.

In 2023, the market experienced a sharp contraction, falling to 33 210 thousand US dollars, a decline of more than 60% from the previous year.

Production candles and tapers in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the output value of candles and tapers reached 80 123 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a 37.8% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 58 128 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 8.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 33.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.2%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Candles and tapers production in Portugal has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal produced 41 271 tonnes of candles and tapers, up by 33.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 43.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.8%.

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

Exports candles and tapers from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, candles and tapers deliveries from Portugal have increased. In 2021, Portugal exported 10 627 tonnes of candles and tapers, a 22.4% rise year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 8 686 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 25.6%. Over the period 2018-2021, exports decreased by 16.4%, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and Denmark were the top buyers of candles and tapers from Portugal in terms of volume. Germany accounted for 62.7% of exports, Spain for 11.2%, and Denmark for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 82.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Portugal's volume of candles and tapers exports has increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 27 722 thousand US dollars, which is 42.3% higher than in 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 19 475 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 24.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and Denmark played the leading roles in the value of candles and tapers exports from Portugal. Germany contributed 56.4% of exports in value terms, Spain 10.9%, and Denmark 8.2%. Collectively, they accounted for 75.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports candles and tapers to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, imported candles and tapers volumes in Portugal have increased. In 2021, Portugal imported 8 964 tonnes of candles and tapers, up by 13.4% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 7 907 tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 5.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Italy, and Spain formed the core group of markets for imports of candles and tapers in kind. Poland accounted for 27.5% of imports, Italy for 24.4%, and Spain for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 67.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of candles and tapers to Portugal have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal imported a total of 25 219 thousand US dollars of candles and tapers, indicating a significant advance of 29.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 368 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 12.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 13.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Spain, Poland, and Germany made the biggest contribution to imports of candles and tapers in value terms. Spain accounted for 25.1% of imports, Poland for 21.4%, and Germany for 15.1%. Jointly, they represented 61.6% of total import flows.

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

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