Glass fibres market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The glass fibres market in Lithuania experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. Market volume reached 15 427 t in 2018, supported by the presence of major producers like Panevėžio stiklas, the largest glass and glass product manufacturer in the Baltic states. A new player, UAB 'Sellglass', announced a major investment plan to acquire a glass melting furnace, signalling industry activity. The market then contracted to 10 032 t in 2019 before recovering to 13 508 t in 2020 and falling again to 9 603 t in 2021, a period where the market's structure was defined by leading firms such as GLASS LT, SAERTEX Baltics, and Stiklita.

From 2022 onward, the market landscape has been shaped by several key factors. Amendments to the construction law effective in November 2024 are set to alter building permit timelines and project preparation procedures, potentially affecting demand for glass fibres in construction applications. Simultaneously, technological advancements have progressed, with Lithuanian production utilizing advanced technologies to manufacture E-glass and S-glass rovings, chopped strands, and multi-axial fabrics. Stiklita has invested in sophisticated glass processing technologies, including ADAS system calibration.

Looking at industry dynamics, a notable trend is the reduced use of glass fibres in the automotive sector due to higher costs and the needs of mass production, which favors materials like steel or carbon fibre. This has contributed to lower production volumes among smaller manufacturers. However, glass fibre products remain critical in other industries like boat building and insulation, valued for their heat, chemical, and mechanical resistance. Market evolution continues to be influenced by factors such as labour costs, automation development, and the entry of new investors like UAB 'Sellglass', which plans substantial investments to modernize production.

Production glass fibres in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, $ US

Lithuania's glass fibres production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2021, output was valued at 60 344 US dollars, marking a significant 30.0% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 8.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 46 413 US dollars, with the largest drop of 19.5% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

The market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 926 kg, while the highest reached 8 662 kg in 2021, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 1.8 times. In 2021, Lithuania produced 8 662 kg of glass fibres, indicating a sharp rise of 75.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 19.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports glass fibres from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Glass fibres shipments from Lithuania to abroad increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Lithuania exported 1 549 tonnes of glass fibres, which is 39.3% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 49.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 751 tonnes, with the largest decline of 27.6% also in 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 48.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Czechia (27.9% of exports in kind), Russia (23.7% of exports in kind), and Denmark (23.5% of exports in kind) remained the top buyers of glass fibres from Lithuania, collectively accounting for 75.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's glass fibres exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export volume reached 1 443 thousand US dollars, representing a 94.8% gain compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 280.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia (31.8% of exports in value terms), Latvia (14.0% of exports in value terms), and the United States (10.3% of exports in value terms) led the export structure in value terms, together representing 56.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports glass fibres to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, foreign glass fibres supplies to Lithuania reached 11 143 tonnes, reflecting a robust drop of 23.8% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 777 tonnes, with the largest decline of 34.5% also in 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 35.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for imports in kind of glass fibres to Lithuania were the United Kingdom (44.0% of imports in kind), Egypt (29.4% of imports in kind), and Belgium (10.2% of imports in kind), which jointly accounted for 83.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, imported glass fibres volumes in Lithuania stood at 13 366 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest fall of 8.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 32%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 707 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 35.3% also in 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 15.4%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom (44.8% of imports in value terms), Egypt (24.2% of imports in value terms), and Belgium (13.2% of imports in value terms) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.2% of total flows.

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

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