Cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, measured in physical volume, showed a clear upward trajectory from 2018 to 2024, growing from 76.5 thousand tons to 108.7 thousand tons. This expansion was interrupted only in 2023, when the market size dipped to 91.1 thousand tons before rebounding strongly the following year.

In value terms, the market exhibited more volatility. The market's value peaked at 415.5 million US dollars in 2021 but settled at 354.6 million US dollars in 2024. The divergence between the steady growth in tonnage and the fluctuating monetary value points to significant changes in unit prices or product mix within the sector over the period.

Domestic production increased from 80.7 thousand tons to 102.6 thousand tons between 2018 and 2024, while imports rose from 24.9 thousand tons to 33.8 thousand tons. Export volumes fluctuated but remained a substantial part of the industry, contributing to the overall growth in net domestic availability.

Production cellular plastic sheets in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 400.4 million US dollars, marking a 42.0% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 28.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 10.2% occurring that same year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's production of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 90,231 tonnes, up by 4.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 11.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.8%.

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

Exports cellular plastic sheets from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip have rebounded. In 2021, exports totaled 30,720 tonnes, showing a strong improvement of 18.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 25,904 tonnes, with the largest decline of 10.3% occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and France were the principal buyers of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Portugal. Spain accounted for 59.2% of exports in kind, Saudi Arabia for 7.5%, and France for 5.2%, collectively making up 71.9% 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, M $ US

Following a two-year reduction, Portugal's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip have increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 117.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 42.9% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 17.4%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 81.9 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 11.8% occurring in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Germany remained the main markets for Portugal's exports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms. Spain held 58.1% of exports, France 7.6%, and Germany 5.6%, together accounting for 71.2% 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 cellular plastic sheets to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal imported 29,090 tonnes of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in 2021, indicating an 18.8% year-over-year rise. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 24,492 tonnes, with the largest decline of 3.6% occurring that year.

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

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Spain, Italy, and France continued to be the main suppliers of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Portugal. Spain accounted for 60.8% of imports in kind, Italy for 7.1%, and France for 6.8%, jointly forming 74.7% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, Portugal's imports of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip have increased. In 2021, imports reached 132.1 million US dollars, showing a dramatic uptick of 33.3% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 2.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 99.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 24.0% occurring in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Germany continued to lead as suppliers of cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Portugal in value terms. Spain accounted for 50.0% of imports, France for 13.3%, and Germany for 10.0%, collectively taking 73.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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