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

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip expanded in physical terms from 47.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 51.3 thousand tons in 2019, a period that saw initial regulatory measures to reduce single-use plastic bag consumption. Volume then contracted sharply to 40.7 thousand tons in 2020.

Market volume rebounded strongly to 53.6 thousand tons in 2021, ahead of the planned European prohibition on single-use plastics like expanded polystyrene, whose Spanish transposition was delayed. Growth continued, reaching 65.7 thousand tons in 2023, driven by new technical criteria that clarified when mechanically recycled thermoplastic waste could re-enter production, supporting circular economy manufacturing.

In 2024, the market declined to 52.6 thousand tons as stricter eco-design and labeling requirements for single-use plastic products took effect, banning expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, while significant volatility in polystyrene raw material prices increased production costs.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 137.0 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 2.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 145.9 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 3.6%. The most significant increase was also in 2018, at 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip production in Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 49,144 tonnes, which is 2.1% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.8 times. In 2020, Spain exported 19,069 tonnes of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, representing a strong increase of 118.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, at 21.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and Morocco consistently held the top positions in Spain's export structure by volume. Portugal accounted for 48.0% of exports, France for 19.5%, and Morocco for 5.6%, together making up 73.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip totaled 28,361 thousand US dollars, which is 30.8% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 28.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 21,686 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also in 2019 at 14.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom led Spain's export structure by value. Portugal accounted for 47.2% of exports, France for 19.9%, and the United Kingdom for 7.5%, together representing 74.6% of total export flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 10,592 tonnes, showing a robust year-on-year drop of 10.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 25.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Slovenia, and France were consistently the main sources for Spain's imports by volume. Portugal accounted for 63.0% of imports, Slovenia for 11.2%, and France for 8.9%, together making up 83.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Spain's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined. In 2020, Spain imported a total of 20,445 thousand US dollars, which is 19.9% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 20,445 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Spain's imports by value were Portugal, France, and Germany. Portugal accounted for 44.6% of imports, France for 21.8%, and Germany for 10.4%, together representing 76.7% of total import flows.

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

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