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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Spain fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2024. After increasing to 17 663 t in 2019, it fell to 13 271 t in 2020, recovered to 16 960 t in 2021, then dropped again to 13 365 t in 2022 before climbing steadily to 20 065 t by 2024. The initial growth phase was underpinned by rising PVC application in construction and stronger demand for recycled PVC, which stimulated production and import activity.

Several regulatory adjustments shaped the market. In 2018, a modification to Spain's General Vehicle Regulations mandated blue rear license plates for taxis and rental vehicles with drivers, creating specific demand for PVC plates in this segment. Later, the entry into force of Royal Decree 1055/2022 in December 2022 introduced new labeling rules for packaging, including PVC, requiring producers to adapt their production and marking processes to meet enhanced sustainability and recyclability standards.

A persistent shift toward circular economy practices marked the entire period. AIMPLAS reported a substantial rise in PVC recycling across Europe, reinforcing demand for recycled material in Spain. This trend aligned with broader European and national sustainability policies. Concurrently, revisions to vehicle marking regulations and anticipated changes to DGT environmental labels for vehicles influenced the use of PVC sheets for automotive marking and protective applications.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 38 597 thousand US dollars, marking a 17.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 20.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 50 747 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's production volume of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 5 601 tonnes were produced, reflecting a sharp 15.0% decline compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 35.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 13.6%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain exported 4 769 tonnes of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, showing a significant 31.7% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 57.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 31.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and the United States were the core markets for Spain's exports in kind. Italy accounted for 33.6% of exports, France for 16.0%, and the United States for 10.7%, together representing 60.3% 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

Spain's exports of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 32 113 thousand US dollars, a notable 17.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 69.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy, France, and Portugal were the main destinations for Spain's exports in value terms. Italy made up 45.5% of exports, France 22.1%, and Portugal 6.9%, collectively accounting for 74.5% 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 PVC plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind declined. In 2020, import volume was 12 439 tonnes, a substantial 15.3% drop from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 694 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Ireland, and China were the three principal sources for Spain's imports in kind, together accounting for 52.1% of total imports of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip.

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

Following a two-year increase, Spain's imports of cellular PVC plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 51 068 thousand US dollars, a moderate 4.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 24.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The peak value was in 2019 at 53 204 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 24.5%.

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

The market base for Spain's imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse. Germany, Poland, and Ireland were key sources, with Germany accounting for 20.4% of imports, Poland for 12.8%, and Ireland for 10.0%, together making up 43.2% of total flows. The remaining 56.8% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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