Glass fibres market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for glass fibres in Norway, measured in value, expanded from 18.6 million $ in 2019 to 22.7 million $ in 2020, before contracting to 19.8 million $ in 2021. The initial growth was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in exports, which fell by 15% in 2020, a trend linked to global supply chain disruptions emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent market contraction in 2021 coincided with a recovery in export activity and a rebound in production, supported by a joint venture between Owens Corning and Pultron Composites to manufacture fiberglass rebar.

International trade flows showed significant shifts later in the period. Imports surged by 125% to 13.2 million $ in 2022, likely reflecting pent-up demand and inventory rebuilding after pandemic constraints. Exports peaked at 75.3 million $ in 2023, bolstered by growing European demand for glass fibre composites in offshore wind turbine blades and green building initiatives, before moderating in the following years.

Throughout the period, the industry was shaped by strong sustainability and innovation trends. Key players like Owens Corning and Johns Manville launched recyclable products and thermal recycling units, while European circular economy regulations influenced manufacturing practices. Concurrently, demand from the automotive sector for lightweight materials and from renewable energy projects provided consistent market drivers.

Production glass fibres in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Norway's glass fibre production was valued at 71 255 thousand US dollars, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2019 to 2021, production decreased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 68 166 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Norway produced 55 920 tonnes of glass fibres, showing a notable 21.7% increase from 2020. Between 2019 and 2021, production decreased by 11%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 45 963 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 26.8%.

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

Exports glass fibres from Norway

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Norway's cross-border shipments of glass fibres totalled 47 992 tonnes, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 44 735 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 49 103 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with an 8.9% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Finland remained the main buyers of glass fibres from Norway, accounting for 70.2% of total exports in kind. Germany led with 41.2%, followed by Belgium at 19.8%, and Finland at 9.2%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Norway's glass fibre exports increased in 2021, reaching 57 326 thousand US dollars, a significant 15.4% improvement from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 4.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 49 662 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 14.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Finland continued to be the leading destinations for Norway's glass fibre exports in value terms, together representing 67.9% of total flows. Germany accounted for 36.9%, Belgium for 19.9%, and Finland for 11.1%.

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

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

Imports glass fibres to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's glass fibre imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totalling 2 557 tonnes, a solid 15.8% rise from the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 35.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 677 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 11.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 31.7% jump.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Slovakia, and Sweden were the top suppliers of glass fibres to Norway, together making up 73.4% of total imports in kind. China led with 47.3%, followed by Slovakia at 17.1%, and Sweden at 9.0%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's glass fibre imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totalling 5 856 thousand US dollars, up by 40.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 31.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 048 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 9.2%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, China, Sweden, and Slovakia remained the key markets for Norway's glass fibre imports in value terms, together accounting for 66.0% of total flows.

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

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