Concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Portuguese market for concrete blocks expanded from 789 thousand tons to 1 278 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by urbanization and industrial expansion in the country, which significantly increased demand for precast concrete blocks. The adoption of blocks with low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials, spurred by European sustainability regulations, gained momentum and supported market volume. Despite environmental restrictions on quarry operations that began in 2018 and reduced aggregate supply, market leaders like ILMAR and AGLOU maintained their production investments, helping to meet the rising demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused mixed supply chain disruptions and raw material price fluctuations, but it also accelerated the shift toward eco-friendly building materials.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market volume contracted sharply to 859 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was largely caused by persistent regional raw material shortages and logistical delays that affected a significant share of producers, combined with continued stringent environmental rules limiting aggregate extraction and constraining production capacity. However, the market recovered to 1 105 thousand tons in 2024 as manufacturers invested in more efficient production technology and automation. Demand from modular construction and ongoing urban development remained strong, supporting the rebound despite lingering supply chain challenges.

Production concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's production of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 66 004 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 35.1% increase from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production surged by 137.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 33.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks in Portugal has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal produced 1 278 thousand tonnes, representing a 7.4% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 60.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 6 918 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 21 979 tonnes, resulting in a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Portugal's exports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks amounted to 15 629 tonnes, a 28.9% decrease from 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 217.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was the primary market for Portugal's concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks, accounting for 74.1% of total exports by volume. Other destinations made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility over the observed timeframe. Export values dropped to a minimum in 2019 at 535 thousand US dollars and climbed to a maximum in 2020 at 1 708 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.2-fold variation. In 2021, Portugal exported 1 051 thousand US dollars worth of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks, a sharp 38.5% year-on-year decline. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, with a rise of 219.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, France, and Norway consistently led as the top destinations for Portugal's exports by value. Spain accounted for 44.8% of exports, France for 20.9%, and Norway for 8.1%, together making up 73.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 16 323 tonnes, up 30.0% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 393.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 70.2%.

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

During the 2018–2021 period, Spain remained the main source for Portugal's imports of concrete and artificial stone blocks and bricks, holding 87.1% of total imports by volume. The rest was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market experienced an unstable trend throughout this period. Import values fluctuated, with a low in 2018 and a high in 2021, showing a 2.7-fold difference. In 2021, Portugal's imports were valued at 2 512 thousand US dollars, a sharp 33.3% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 0.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 99.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical distribution of imports by value was dominated by Spain, which accounted for 89.1% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively smaller shares.

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

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