Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Portuguese market for fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine contracted from 91 391 t to 87 139 t. This reduction aligned with the implementation and strengthening of European regulatory frameworks REACH and CLP, which increased control over chemical substances including halogens. The rising number of substances subject to mandatory notification required industry participants to adapt to stricter safety and labeling obligations, likely dampening market activity in the short term.

By 2023, the market volume rebounded to 95 219 t. This recovery took place despite the 2022 prohibition on using fluorinated gases in new refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, which directly reduced demand for certain fluorine compounds. However, a specific surge in iodine demand at pharmacies during 2022, driven by consumer concerns related to the war in Ukraine, provided temporary support to overall consumption. Additionally, the stabilization in the number of regulatory notifications by 2023 suggests the market adjusted to the new compliance landscape.

The regulatory environment continued to evolve, with further European measures such as updated rules for equipment containing fluorinated gases scheduled to take effect in September 2025. These persistent regulatory developments highlight the ongoing influence of chemical and environmental policy on the production and consumption of halogens in Portugal throughout the period.

Production fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's production of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 19 908 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 8.8% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 18.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 6.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's production volume of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 90 459 tonnes, indicating a 4.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production declined by 6.6%, averaging a 2.3% annualized reduction.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 1 938 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decline of 52.7% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 72.8%, with an annualized rate of 35.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's exports of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine in volume terms, consistently making up 91.9% of the total flows.

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

Portugal's export value of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 881 thousand US dollars, down 34.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 64.3%, equating to an annualized decrease of 29.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and Angola accounted for the majority of Portugal's export value for fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, while other markets played a smaller role.

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

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Portugal's imports of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine increased in 2021. The country imported 1 293 tonnes, marking a 65.7% uptick compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 20.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 780 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 42.2%.

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

During 2018–2021, Portugal's imports of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine in volume terms were heavily reliant on Spain, which accounted for 93.1% of the total.

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

In 2021, Portugal's imports of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine reached 2 042 thousand US dollars, up 24.1% from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports decreased by 29.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.0%. The minimum value was 1 646 thousand US dollars in 2020, while the maximum was 3 234 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 49.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's import value for fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine was highly concentrated, with Spain alone responsible for 93.3% of the total flows.

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

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