Cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in the Netherlands grew substantially from 7 370 t in 2018 to 55 192 t in 2021. This nearly 7.5-fold increase was driven by a sharp rise in 2019, when volume jumped by 265% to 26 867 t, followed by continued growth of 67% in 2020 and 23% in 2021.

In value terms, the market expansion was more modest, rising from 205.7 million USD in 2018 to 273.4 million USD in 2021, an overall increase of 33%. Market value peaked at 279.4 million USD in 2019 before dipping to 260.2 million USD in 2020, then recovering slightly in 2021. The divergence between volume and value trends suggests changes in product mix or average prices over the period.

Trade flows played a significant role in the market's development. Imports surged from 14 115 t in 2018 to a high of 57 937 t in 2022 before settling around 47 000–48 000 t in subsequent years. Exports also increased, reaching 66 668 t in 2023, indicating that the Netherlands serves as both a consumption hub and a redistribution point for these polyurethane products.

Production cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In the Netherlands, the production value of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip reached 408.2 million US dollars in 2021, marking a sharp increase of 27.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 18.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 321.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

The Netherlands has seen production of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip rise for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 78 623 tonnes, up 19.9% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 81.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Exports of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from the Netherlands have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 54 708 tonnes, a decrease of 6.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 9.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The peak was in 2019 at 59 298 tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 18.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany were the dominant export markets for the Netherlands in terms of volume. Belgium accounted for 55.1% of total exports, while Germany made up 25.4%, together representing 80.5% of all exports. Other partners contributed the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip exports from the Netherlands amounted to 311.8 million US dollars, reflecting a significant rise of 36.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value increased by 36.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.9%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 228.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 2.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the top export destinations in value terms. Belgium accounted for 45.7% of export value, Germany for 27.6%, and the United Kingdom for 4.9%, together making up 78.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into the Netherlands have shown irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. The lowest volume was in 2018, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2021, imports stood at 31 277 tonnes, down 17.2% from 2020. The maximum was recorded in 2019 at 42 540 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 201.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the main sources of imports in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 43.8% of imports, Germany for 22.8%, and the United Kingdom for 14.0%, together representing 80.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values of cellular PU plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip into the Netherlands have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 177.0 million US dollars, up 5.8% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, import value grew by 96%, with an average annual growth rate of 25.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom remained the primary suppliers in value terms. Belgium accounted for 37.4% of import value, Germany for 24.5%, and the United Kingdom for 9.9%, jointly making up 71.8% of total imports.

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

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