Glass fibres market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

After a decline in imports to 4 157 t in 2020, the Croatian glass fibres market experienced a sharp rebound, with imports surging to 6 413 t in 2021 and further to 6 941 t in 2022. This growth coincided with increased global demand for glass fibres driven by their expanding applications in construction, energy, shipbuilding, and sports equipment, which stimulated import volumes and consumption. Consequently, the total market volume, available data for which ends in 2021, followed this upward trajectory, reaching 6 190 t that year after a period of contraction.

While domestic production remained modest, increasing only slightly from 27 t to 33 t between 2018 and 2021, export activity strengthened considerably throughout the period. Exports grew steadily, with a notable jump to 606 t in 2022, reflecting a broader regional industry trend towards export orientation. However, import volumes contracted significantly to 4 746 t in 2023, a period which presented challenges for Croatian industry, including high energy costs affecting operational economics.

By 2024, imports showed a partial recovery to 5 306 t, whereas exports moderated to 722 t. The market dynamics from 2018 to 2024 were characterized by volatile import flows linked to global demand factors and local cost pressures, alongside a consistent expansion of export capacity.

Production glass fibres in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.4 times. In 2020, output of glass fibres was valued at 224.5 K $ US in Croatia, corresponding to a rise of 1.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 293.4 K $ US. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 24.3%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 242.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Volumes dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, showing a 1.9-fold shift. In 2020, 29 510 kg of glass fibres were produced in Croatia, which is 20.4% above the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 79.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports glass fibres from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Exports fell to their lowest point in 2018 and registered their peak in 2020, showing a variation of 3.2 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of glass fibres from Croatia stood at 217 t, indicating an increase of 53.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 69 t. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 63.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 105.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina remained the key destination for glass fibres from Croatia, accounting for 71.6% of total exports in kind, whereas other destinations were much less significant.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Glass fibres deliveries from Croatia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 355 K $ US, constituting an increase of 33.7% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 4.9%, equating to a 1.6% annualized rate. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 170 K $ US. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 49.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 56.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (53.1% of exports in value terms), Czechia (14.3% of exports in value terms), and Serbia (12.3% of exports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of exports in value terms, together comprising 79.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports glass fibres to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Glass fibres deliveries to Croatia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 4 157 t, showing a decline of 3.7% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.5%, equating to a 5.8% annualized rate.

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

In 2017–2020, Slovakia (47.7% of imports in kind), Belgium (19.4% of imports in kind), and Latvia (6.1% of imports in kind) consistently remained the main sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 73.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Glass fibres imports to Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totalled 6 044 K $ US, down by 0.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 12.6%, with a CAGR of 4.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 895 K $ US. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 22.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 14.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Slovakia (36.6% of imports in value terms), Belgium (29.1% of imports in value terms), and the United Kingdom (5.4% of imports in value terms) formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms of glass fibres to Croatia, jointly representing 71.1% of total flows.

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

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