Ethylene polymers in primary forms market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2019 and 2020, the Spanish ethylene polymers market contracted from 1 291 тыс. т to 1 251 тыс. т, a decline of approximately 3%. This was accompanied by a reduction in imports from 1 029 тыс. т to 981 тыс. т, while production saw a minor decrease from 1 411 тыс. т to 1 393 тыс. т.

A sharp market expansion occurred by 2022, with volume reaching 1 747 тыс. т—a 39% increase from 2020. This surge was primarily driven by a significant rise in imports to 1 291 тыс. т and a notable drop in exports to 973 тыс. т. Domestic production also grew to 1 428 тыс. т that year. In the following years, import volumes stabilized around 1 210 тыс. т, while exports recovered to 1 178 тыс. т by 2024.

Recent market developments include a high concentration of export activity among a limited number of players in 2023. In 2024, a 1.1% average price decrease for processed plastics in Spain and a growing European focus on polymer recycling, highlighted by industry commitments to reduce virgin plastic consumption, began influencing market dynamics, potentially shifting demand toward secondary materials.

Production ethylene polymers in primary forms in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's output of ethylene polymers in primary forms was valued at 1 327 million US dollars, marking a 13.1% decrease compared to 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 1 393 thousand tonnes of ethylene polymers in primary forms, representing a slight year-over-year decline of 1.3%.

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

Exports ethylene polymers in primary forms from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's export volumes of ethylene polymers in primary forms declined in 2020. The country exported 1 124 thousand tonnes that year, down 2.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 150 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports of ethylene polymers in primary forms were distributed across numerous countries. France accounted for 14.9% of export volumes, Italy for 12.9%, and Germany for 10.3%. Together, these three partners represented just 38.1% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's export value of ethylene polymers in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1 325 million US dollars, a 7.4% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 13.5%, with a compound annual decline rate of 4.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 602 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 10.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 4.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's export structure for ethylene polymers in primary forms in value terms was diversified. France represented 14.5% of export value, Italy 12.9%, and Germany 12.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 40.1% of total flows, with no single nation holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports ethylene polymers in primary forms to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's import volumes of ethylene polymers in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 981 thousand tonnes, a 4.7% reduction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 14.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.2%.

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

An analysis of Spain's import volumes of ethylene polymers in primary forms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Belgium accounted for 13.3% of import volumes, Saudi Arabia for 11.8%, and France for 11.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 36.2% of total flows, with the remaining 63.8% spread across other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's import value of ethylene polymers in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, registering 1 303 million US dollars, which was 15.2% weaker than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 20.7%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 699 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase also occurring that year at 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's imports of ethylene polymers in primary forms in value terms came from many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Belgium, France, and Saudi Arabia—together represented only 36.0% of total import value.

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

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