EPS in primary forms market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Slovakia's expandable polystyrene (EPS) market volume began the period at 52 thousand tons in 2018 but entered a sustained downward trend. That year, the acquisition of Ruukin EPS by BEWiSynbra expanded the latter's footprint in the Nordic region, including Slovakia, which may have influenced the competitive landscape and supply structure.

Market volume continued to contract over the following years, falling to 30 thousand tons by 2023. This multi-year decline reflected a broader reduction in consumption without major expansionary drivers reported during this phase.

New Slovak regulations became effective in 2024, including a ban on placing certain single-use expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers on the market and updated rules for packaging composition and recyclability assessment. These legislative measures target plastic waste reduction and could constrain EPS demand in packaging applications, while ongoing European demand for insulation materials in construction provides some market support.

Production EPS in primary forms in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovakia's production of EPS in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 24 943 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 36.8% compared to the previous year. Production fell by 44.3% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 17.7%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 49 595 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 10.7% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Slovakia's production of EPS in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 9 331 tonnes, down 33.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 36.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.0%. The peak production volume was reached in 2018 at 16 255 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.8%.

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

Exports EPS in primary forms from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Slovakia exported 1 186 tonnes of EPS in primary forms, representing a significant decline of 39.5% compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 150 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 127.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Slovakia's exports in kind were Poland, Czechia, and Austria, which together accounted for 86.7% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, showing a 2.6-fold difference. In 2020, Slovakia's exports of EPS in primary forms amounted to 1 866 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a steep decline of 56.7% compared to 2019. The maximum export value was recorded in 2018 at 4 872 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 136.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Czechia, and Austria continued to be the top buyers of EPS in primary forms from Slovakia in value terms. Poland accounted for 39.0% of exports, Czechia for 30.2%, and Austria for 19.9%, together making up 89.1% 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 EPS in primary forms to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovakia's imports of EPS in primary forms totaled 35 625 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 2.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 34 697 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 37 990 tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 8.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Czechia, and Austria were the main sources of imports in kind for Slovakia. Germany accounted for 27.2% of imports, Czechia for 14.9%, and Austria for 14.4%, together representing 56.5% of total import volume.

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, K $ US

Slovakia's imports of EPS in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 47 867 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate decrease of 6.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 22.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.2%. The maximum import value was recorded in 2018 at 68 276 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 24.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Slovakia's imports in value terms were Germany, Czechia, and Austria, which together accounted for 53.7% of total import flows.

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

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