Concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for concrete blocks and bricks in the Netherlands first expanded, then contracted sharply. In 2019, market size reached 5 780 thousand tons, up from 5 210 thousand tons the previous year, partly driven by growing attention to environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials, which supported demand. The efficient logistics of producers located near waterways also facilitated supply. However, in 2020, the market fell to 5 109 thousand tons as sharply rising energy prices and threatened raw material shortages put pressure on concrete manufacturers, creating uncertainty and higher production costs.

From 2021, the industry focused on innovation and adaptation. Joint research by government, knowledge institutions, and businesses into alternative clinker and cement types aimed to reduce environmental impact, while priority was given to concrete reuse in low-impact applications. By 2022, growth in concrete products was visible especially among local authorities and companies, and industry forecasts remained positive despite ongoing energy price and raw material challenges, which continued to influence the market.

In the following years through 2025, import volumes of concrete blocks and bricks recovered from a low point, reaching 334 thousand tons in 2025, while export volumes gradually declined to 644 thousand tons, indicating shifting trade patterns.

Production concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, the Netherlands recorded its highest output value for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks at 613.4 million US dollars. However, in 2020, production declined sharply by 10.2% to 550.8 million US dollars. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, output decreased by 5.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2019, the Netherlands produced its highest volume of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks at 5 893 thousand tonnes, marking a 9.0% increase from the previous year. By 2020, production had fallen by 16.2% to 4 941 thousand tonnes. From 2018 to 2020, overall production decreased by 8.6%, averaging a 2.9% annual decline.

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

Exports concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, exports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from the Netherlands reached their lowest point at 782 thousand tonnes, declining by 1.1% from the previous year. However, exports rebounded in 2020 and continued to grow in 2021, reaching 1 012 thousand tonnes—a sharp increase of 27.5% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 27.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany remained the top markets for exports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks from the Netherlands, jointly accounting for 80.4% of total export volumes. Other trading partners played a smaller, supplementary role during this period.

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

In 2019, the value of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks exports from the Netherlands hit its lowest level at 78.5 million US dollars, dropping by 17.0% from the previous year. Exports then recovered, increasing for two consecutive years and reaching 122.8 million US dollars in 2021—a substantial rise of 49.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 29.9%, averaging an annual increase of 9.1%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom formed the core group of trading partners for the Netherlands in terms of export value for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks. Germany accounted for 38.0% of exports, Belgium for 35.7%, and the United Kingdom for 12.9%, together representing 86.6% 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 concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2019, imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks into the Netherlands stood at a lower level, but they surged in 2020, reaching a peak of 962 thousand tonnes—a significant increase of 43.5% from the previous year. However, in 2021, imports declined sharply by 22.6% to 744 thousand tonnes. Over the 2018-2021 period, import volumes increased by 24.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the dominant source for imports of concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks into the Netherlands, making up 85.4% of total import volumes. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

In 2019, the value of imports into the Netherlands for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks was at its lowest point at 81.7 million US dollars, falling by 13.8% from the previous year. Imports then rose in 2020, increasing by 27.1%, and continued to grow in 2021, reaching 111.3 million US dollars—a moderate gain of 7.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 17.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany and Belgium together accounted for 87.8% of the total import value for concrete or artificial stone blocks and bricks into the Netherlands. The remaining flows were thinly spread across other markets.

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

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