Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The Czech market for cellular polystyrene plates, sheets, film, foil and strip opened the period at 40 119 t in 2018 but contracted to 32 190 t by 2020. This decline followed the August 2017 tightening of fire safety norms, which reduced the use of expanded polystyrene in external thermal insulation systems and curbed overall consumption growth.

Market volume rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 40 455 t, and continued to expand to 44 818 t in 2022, reflecting a recovery in demand for insulation materials after the earlier downturn.

From 2023, the market entered a new phase of contraction, falling to 36 281 t in 2023 and further to 32 765 t in 2024. This decline was primarily driven by economic and political shocks, including the war in Ukraine, soaring energy prices, high inflation, and rising interest rates, which collectively dampened construction activity and polystyrene demand. During this period, the market also saw a gradual shift toward grey polystyrene with graphite additives, which offers improved thermal insulation properties.

Production cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Czechia's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip rebounded. In 2021, output reached 162.0 million US dollars, marking a sharp 61.6% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 100.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of decline, cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip production in Czechia increased. In 2021, Czechia produced 43 827 tonnes, up 27.0% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 19.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest output was in 2020 at 34 500 tonnes, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 4.4%.

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

Exports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip exports from Czechia grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 15 187 tonnes, a significant 11.9% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 92.2%, representing an annualized growth rate of 24.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland were the main buyers of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Czechia. Austria accounted for 40.2% of exports in kind, Slovakia for 24.8%, and Poland for 21.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 86.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip shipments from Czechia increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 43 556 thousand US dollars, a robust 50.6% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 134.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 32.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland remained the primary markets for Czech exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms. Austria held 28.3% of exports, Slovakia 24.9%, and Poland 22.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 75.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, imports of foreign cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into Czechia reached 11 816 tonnes, a moderate 4.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 11 260 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 13 455 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 16.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 19.2%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Slovenia, and Austria were the key sources for imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into Czechia in kind. Germany accounted for 33.1% of imports, Slovenia for 19.5%, and Austria for 11.3%. Together, these three countries made up 63.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Czechia's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip increased. In 2021, imports totaled 46 098 thousand US dollars, up 35.8% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 18.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 33 938 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Slovenia, and Austria were the principal sources for imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into Czechia in value terms. Germany represented 39.9% of imports, Slovenia 18.8%, and Austria 11.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 69.8% of total import flows.

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

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