Ceramic building bricks market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for ceramic building bricks in Finland grew steadily from 21.0 million US dollars in 2018 to 27.0 million dollars in 2022. During this period, the industry faced a shift in consumer preference as wood began displacing brick in the facades of private houses, reducing its share in that segment. In 2022, the Ministry of the Environment facilitated the reuse of fired bricks by easing CE-marking requirements for second-hand products, promoting circular economy practices within the sector.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2023, with the market value contracting by 29% to 19.1 million dollars. This downturn coincided with profound industry consolidation: the number of manufacturers shrank to three following the closure of Wienerberger's Kärkölä plant, and annual brick sales volumes fell from a peak of 80 million units to around 30 million. Brick lost popularity in private residential construction, though public sector demand remained. The decline continued into 2024, with the market falling further to 18.4 million dollars, pressured by a drop in public sector building permits—especially for social, healthcare, and educational buildings—and intense competition from alternative materials.

Production ceramic building bricks in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Ceramic building brick production in Finland has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 24 896 K $ US, marking a robust 14.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 47.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%.

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

Exports ceramic building bricks from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, ceramic building brick deliveries from Finland reached their lowest point at 607 t, with the largest decline recorded at 77.1%. In 2020, deliveries surged to 3 387 t, representing a gain of 457.9% compared to 2019. The span from 2019 to 2020 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.6 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway and Russia were the two dominant destinations for ceramic building brick exports from Finland. Norway accounted for 85.2% of total flows, while Russia made up 14.1%, together forming 99.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ceramic building brick exports from Finland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 856 K $ US, which is 14.7% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 79.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway remained the main outlet for ceramic building bricks from Finland, taking 86.7% of total exports in value terms. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports ceramic building bricks to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Ceramic building brick imports into Finland have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 7 675 t, indicating a rise of 0.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 150.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 35.8%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Estonia, Denmark, and the Netherlands stood out as the main markets for ceramic building brick imports into Finland. Estonia accounted for 26.2% of imports in kind, Denmark for 17.2%, and the Netherlands for 16.4%, together representing 59.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Finland imported a total of 2 145 K $ US of ceramic building bricks in 2020, constituting a significant advance of 24.3% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 98.1%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 0.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 146.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 35.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Estonia, Sweden, and Belgium — together accounted for 65.4% of total imports in value terms of ceramic building bricks to Finland.

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

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