Glass fibre rovings market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Hungarian production of glass fibre rovings in physical terms declined sharply from 2,520 t in 2018 to 1,245 t in 2024, a drop of over 50%. Over the same period, the total market volume in tons showed resilience, remaining around 11,600 t from 2018 to 2022, before a notable contraction to 7,615 t in 2023 and a recovery to 11,404 t in 2024. This recovery in 2024 was driven by a rebound in imports, which reached 10,365 t, offsetting the low domestic output.

In value terms, the market experienced a more pronounced downward trend. Production value fell from 14.3 million USD in 2018 to 8.0 million USD in 2024, while the total market size decreased from 26.7 million USD to 18.1 million USD. Import values peaked at 17.4 million USD in 2022 before moderating, indicating fluctuations in both volume and unit prices for imported rovings.

By 2025, specific factors began to influence the market landscape. State aid played a significant role, exemplified by Vulcan Shield Global securing a 49-billion-forint state grant to produce advanced ceramic fibre textiles in Békéscsaba, which could impact fibre production capacity and competition. Furthermore, the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force in February 2025, promoting packaging recycling and affecting packaging and distribution requirements for glass fibre rovings. Changes in the Hungarian electricity market, including growing regulation needs and new capacity market opportunities, also affect energy-intensive industrial production like glass fibre manufacturing.

Production glass fibre rovings in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of glass fibre rovings in Hungary was valued at 9 569 K $ US, showing no significant change compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Hungary produced 1 585 t of glass fibre rovings, remaining virtually unchanged from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%.

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

Exports glass fibre rovings from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 27 t, while the highest was observed in 2021 at 212 t, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 7.8 times. In 2021, foreign glass fibre rovings supplies from Hungary increased by 677.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 66.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey and Serbia remained the main buyers of glass fibre rovings from Hungary, accounting for a combined share of 83.9% of total exports in kind, with the remainder fragmented across other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 56 K $ US, while the highest amounted to 328 K $ US in 2021, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.8 times. In 2021, Hungary's exports of glass fibre rovings increased by 483.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020, at 64.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Serbia, and Italy remained the main markets for exports in value terms of glass fibre rovings from Hungary. Turkey accounted for 56.4% of exports, Serbia for 16.4%, and Italy for 13.5%, jointly taking 86.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports glass fibre rovings to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Glass fibre rovings deliveries to Hungary increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary imported approximately 10 496 t, showing a sharp rise of 25.2% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 248 t, with the largest decline that year at 10.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 13.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Turkey, and Germany formed the core of imports in kind for Hungary. Belgium accounted for 18.6% of imports, Turkey for 17.8%, and Germany for 17.2%, together taking 53.6% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, glass fibre rovings imports to Hungary increased. In 2021, imports tallied 14 909 K $ US, up by 45.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 10 273 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 16.3%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 18.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%.

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

In 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Turkey together accounted for 57.9% of total imports in value terms for glass fibre rovings to Hungary. Germany represented 23.0% of imports, Belgium 20.5%, and Turkey 14.5%, remaining the main destinations.

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

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