Electrical resistors including rheostats and potentiometers excluding heating resistors market in Portugal, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Portuguese market for electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, showed significant volatility. Domestic production surged from 17.1 million US dollars in 2018 to 25.0 million US dollars in 2019, then contracted sharply to 15.8 million US dollars in 2020 before partially recovering to 17.7 million US dollars in 2021. The total market size followed a similar pattern, reaching 38.6 million US dollars in 2019, dropping to 29.3 million US dollars in 2020, and rebounding to 35.3 million US dollars in 2021.

Import activity strengthened notably after 2020, rising steadily from 20.1 million US dollars in 2020 to 41.6 million US dollars in 2025. The sharp 31% import increase in 2025 coincided with Portugal's record-high electricity consumption that year, which amplified demand for electrical components like resistors and potentiometers used in energy control and distribution systems. Exports, in contrast, fell significantly in 2024 and 2025, declining to 4.4 million US dollars and 5.3 million US dollars, respectively.

The Portuguese regulatory framework for low-voltage electrical installations, RTIEBT, remained in effect through 2025 with technical updates, maintaining safety and performance requirements for electrical components. This stable regulatory environment, coupled with broader industrial and energy sector trends, supported market activity for resistors, particularly power resistors used in industrial applications.

Production electrical resistors in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the production value of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, reached 17 733 thousand US dollars in 2021. This marked a 12.3% increase from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.7%, averaging an annualized rate of 1.2%. The highest production value was recorded in 2019 at 24 976 thousand US dollars, which saw a significant increase of 46.1%. In contrast, the lowest value occurred in 2020 at 15 794 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 36.8%.

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

Exports electrical resistors from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, amounted to 205.4 tonnes in 2021. This represented a substantial year-over-year increase of 49.6%. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 27.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 137.3 tonnes, which experienced a decline of 28.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the primary destinations for Portugal's exports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors. Germany accounted for 58.7% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 13.8%, and Belgium for 5.1%. Together, these three countries absorbed 77.5% of total exports in kind, making them the main export markets.

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

After two consecutive years of decline, Portugal's exports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, rebounded in 2021. The export value reached 8 244 thousand US dollars, showing a significant improvement of 26.2% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 11.8%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.1%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2020 at 6 532 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 25.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium dominated Portugal's exports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, in value terms. Germany held the largest share at 53.6%, followed by the Netherlands at 15.1%, and Belgium at 7.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.6% 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 electrical resistors to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year reduction, Portugal's imports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, increased in 2021. Import volumes totaled 573.0 tonnes, reflecting a strong year-over-year rise of 26.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 454.7 tonnes, which experienced a decline of 13.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, China, and Spain were the key sources for Portugal's imports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, in kind. Germany led with 45.8% of imports, followed by China at 22.2%, and Spain at 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 80.6% of total import flows.

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

After a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, increased in 2021. The import value reached 25 832 thousand US dollars, showing a steep rise of 28.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 1.6%. The lowest import value was in 2020 at 20 055 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 17.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and China played leading roles in Portugal's imports of electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers but excluding heating resistors, in value terms. Germany accounted for 60.4% of imports, Spain for 10.3%, and China for 7.7%. Jointly, these three countries comprised 78.3% of total import flows.

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

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