Ceramic building bricks market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch market for ceramic building bricks showed mixed dynamics, with its value rising to 368.2 million US dollars in 2019 before contracting to 308.4 million in 2020. The earlier launch of the Technology Roadmap Bouwkeramiek 2030 and the adoption of the Circular Building Economy Transition Agenda in 2018 set a clear direction for sustainable industry development, potentially supporting demand for ceramic materials in construction projects focused on energy savings and circularity.

A sharp market recovery followed in 2021, with the market size surging to 445.9 million US dollars. This expansion coincided with strengthened public-private collaboration through initiatives like the Bouwstenen partnership, which aimed to accelerate sustainable and circular building practices, likely boosting demand for ceramic bricks. However, the market value then declined significantly over the next two years, falling to 298.0 million in 2022 and 256.5 million in 2023. This occurred despite the introduction of the Omgevingswet (Environmental Act) in January 2022, which simplified spatial planning rules to facilitate construction projects and improve market access.

By 2024, the market showed a moderate rebound to 289.4 million US dollars. Throughout the period, the industry adapted to an evolving regulatory landscape, including the tightening of exposure limits for hazardous substances like refractory ceramic fibers in 2019 and the revision of slip-resistance standards for ceramic tiles in 2022, which shaped production and product specification requirements.

Production ceramic building bricks in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands saw its ceramic building bricks production grow for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 464.8 million US dollars, marking a 13.9% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 14.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 394.2 million US dollars, when output declined by 3.0%.

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

Exports ceramic building bricks from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed significant volatility during these years. In 2019, shipments hit their lowest point at 911 thousand tonnes, while in 2020 they peaked at 1,964 thousand tonnes—a 2.2-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, exports from the Netherlands totaled 1,037 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 47.2% from 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with exports surging by 115.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the primary destinations for ceramic building bricks exports from the Netherlands. Belgium accounted for 62.1% of export volumes, followed by the United Kingdom at 13.8% and Germany at 12.3%. Together, these three countries made up 88.1% of total export flows.

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

Export values experienced notable fluctuations over this period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 55.8 million US dollars, while in 2020 they peaked at 136.4 million US dollars—a 2.4-fold difference. In 2021, exports stood at 74.0 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 45.8% compared to 2020. The most significant increase was recorded in 2020, with exports jumping by 144.2%.

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

During 2018–2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for Dutch ceramic building bricks exports in value terms. Belgium represented 59.2% of export value, Germany accounted for 14.6%, and the United Kingdom made up 13.6%. Collectively, these three destinations contributed 87.3% 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 ceramic building bricks to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of ceramic building bricks into the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volumes reached 562 thousand tonnes, up 42.7% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 51.6%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 14.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 353 thousand tonnes, when imports fell by 4.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium and Germany were the dominant suppliers of ceramic building bricks to the Netherlands, together accounting for 93.8% of total import volumes. Other trading partners played a relatively minor role in imports.

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

Imports of ceramic building bricks into the Netherlands rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, import value stood at 55.0 million US dollars, showing a significant increase of 49.6% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 81%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.9%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 29.8 million US dollars, when imports declined by 1.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany dominated imports of ceramic building bricks into the Netherlands in value terms, together representing 92.7% of total import flows. Other sources contributed smaller shares individually.

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

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