Compounded unvulcanised rubber market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak market for compounded unvulcanised rubber remained stable at around 110 million dollars in 2018 and 2019. The entry of new players in 2018 helped maintain market activity by expanding the range of technical rubber and profiles. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted supply chains and altered consumer behavior, causing the market to plummet to 53.2 million dollars.

A recovery followed in 2021, with the market growing to 79.7 million dollars. This was driven by the development of new product segments, including high‑resistance technical rubber and special seals, which attracted additional demand. Legislative changes regarding product safety also prompted industry adaptation. In 2022, the introduction of new environmental regulations and sustainability requirements in line with European standards temporarily dampened market activity, leading to a decline to 67.1 million dollars.

In the subsequent years, regulatory pressure continued. The preparation and enactment of new product‑safety laws, such as Act No. 146/2023 effective from January 2024 and Act No. 83/2025, along with a growing emphasis on eco‑materials and digitalization, shaped the market environment for compounded unvulcanised rubber in Slovakia.

Production compounded unvulcanised rubber in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Compounded unvulcanised rubber production in Slovakia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 18 491 thousand US dollars, marking a 17.6% decrease compared to 2019. Production fell by 10.1% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annual decline of 3.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 23 132 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Slovakia's compounded unvulcanised rubber production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output totalled 8 231 tonnes, representing a 19.5% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 36.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.0%.

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

Exports compounded unvulcanised rubber from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Compounded unvulcanised rubber exports from Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 19 783 tonnes, up 9.2% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 70.5%, averaging an annual increase of 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Romania, and Ukraine remained the top buyers of compounded unvulcanised rubber from Slovakia, accounting for 33.7%, 18.1%, and 15.5% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 67.3% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's compounded unvulcanised rubber export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 44.2 million US dollars, reflecting a 17.2% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 72%, with an average annual rate of 19.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Romania, and Czechia continued to be the main buyers of compounded unvulcanised rubber from Slovakia in value terms, with shares of 40.6%, 18.4%, and 17.5%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 76.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports compounded unvulcanised rubber to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Compounded unvulcanised rubber imports to Slovakia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 30 955 tonnes, showing a sharp 38.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 55 932 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Germany, and Spain were the primary sources for compounded unvulcanised rubber imports to Slovakia, accounting for 35.5%, 25.6%, and 14.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 75.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Slovakia's compounded unvulcanised rubber import value declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 78.9 million US dollars, representing a sharp 37.1% year-on-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 32.7%, averaging an annual decline of 12.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 125.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Czechia, Germany, and Spain were the main sources for compounded unvulcanised rubber imports to Slovakia in value terms, with shares of 33.6%, 30.1%, and 13.0%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 76.8% of total import value.

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

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