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

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak market for cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip experienced significant volume swings between 2019 and 2024. After a decline to 12,001 t in 2020, consumption rebounded sharply, climbing to 17,098 t in 2021. By 2024, the market volume had moderated to 15,041 t.

Market conditions in 2024 were marked by a steep increase in raw material costs, as polystyrene prices rose by up to 100%, raising production expenses and likely restraining demand for insulation and related products. Furthermore, the announced change in the VAT rate effective January 2025 disrupted order processing at the end of 2024, affecting short-term trading patterns.

Concurrently, sectoral developments included research into eco-friendly multilayer stretch films and heightened quality inspections by the Slovak Trade Inspection on extruded polystyrene insulation boards, reflecting ongoing innovation and regulatory attention within the industry.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Slovakia's output of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip was valued at 20 448 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.5% year-on-year decline. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 13.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Slovakia produced 5 006 tonnes of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, showing a significant drop of 11.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 26.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.2%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year increase, the volume of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip exported from Slovakia declined. In 2020, Slovakia exported 924 tonnes, a 5.2% decrease year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 48.5%, with an annualized rate of 14.1%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 974 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, reaching 40.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Poland, and Czechia were the largest buyers of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Slovakia in terms of volume. Hungary accounted for 37.6% of exports, Poland for 35.4%, and Czechia for 16.9%, together making up 89.9% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, Slovakia's export value of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 104 thousand US dollars, a 14.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 465 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 21.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Poland, and Czechia accounted for the largest share of Slovakia's exports in value terms. Hungary represented 35.8% of exports, Poland 25.3%, and Czechia 21.1%, together comprising 82.2% of total export flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, the volume of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip imported into Slovakia fell. In 2020, imports totaled 7 919 tonnes, down 14.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 225 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Czechia remained the primary suppliers of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip to Slovakia in terms of volume. Germany contributed 21.5% of imports, Hungary 19.9%, and Czechia 15.2%, jointly forming 56.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year uptick, cross-border shipments of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into Slovakia declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 17 851 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate 3.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.4%, with an annualized rate of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 18 432 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 7.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Czechia formed the main cluster of markets for Slovakia's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 24.8% of imports, Hungary for 24.5%, and Czechia for 13.0%, with a combined share of 62.2% of total import flows.

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

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