Ether-alcohols and derivatives market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for ether-alcohols and derivatives in Belgium saw its volume increase from 89.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 104.1 thousand tons in 2019, followed by a contraction to 65.6 thousand tons in 2020. Production mirrored this pattern, rising to 135.7 thousand tons in 2019 before declining to 116.5 thousand tons the following year.

A global surge in imports of ether-alcohols and derivatives, which peaked with a 67% increase in 2021, contributed to heightened trade activity in Belgium, where imports reached 146.1 thousand tons and exports 204.6 thousand tons that year. The market was further supported by Ashland's efforts to significantly boost production capacity for cellulose ethers at its Belgian facilities starting in 2022. By 2024, imports of related ether-phenols and derivatives into Belgium rose by 12%, ending a multi-year downward trend and signaling renewed demand.

Throughout the period, Belgium consolidated its position as a key European consumer, accounting for approximately 40% of the net ethanol derivatives market consumption, and as a fast-growing exporter with competitive pricing. The country also recorded the highest per capita consumption of ethyl alcohol in the EU, reflecting underlying demand strength for alcohol-based derivatives.

Production ether-alcohols and derivatives in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Belgium's production of ether-alcohols and derivatives declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 98.3 million US dollars, representing a significant 23.5% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 25.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Belgium produced 116.5 thousand tonnes of ether-alcohols and derivatives, reflecting a substantial 14.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, production actually increased by 6.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 135.7 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 23.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports ether-alcohols and derivatives from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Belgium's exports of ether-alcohols and derivatives grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 168.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 2.6% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 32.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The lowest point was in 2018 at 127.2 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 0.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 29.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for Belgium's exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 44.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 11.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 66.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Belgium's exports of ether-alcohols and derivatives in value terms increased for the second year running. In 2020, export value totaled 178.4 million US dollars, indicating a moderate 4.9% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 10.6%, with an average annual increase of 3.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 160.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 0.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 6.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for Belgium's exports in value terms. Germany made up 36.8% of exports, the United Kingdom 10.2%, and the Netherlands 9.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 56.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports ether-alcohols and derivatives to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Belgium's imports of ether-alcohols and derivatives amounted to 117.9 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.3% reduction from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 5.2%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 107.4 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest drop of 22.5%. The most significant increase was in 2019 at 23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and Saudi Arabia were the main sources for Belgium's imports in volume terms. The Netherlands contributed 42.9% of imports, Germany 15.7%, and Saudi Arabia 14.2%. Together, these three countries represented 72.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's imports of ether-alcohols and derivatives in value terms reached 149.8 million US dollars, showing a 17.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 14.4%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 180.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 14.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States were consistently the top sources for Belgium's imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 44.0% of imports, Germany for 25.4%, and the United States for 8.8%. Combined, these three countries made up 78.2% of total import value.

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

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