Gypsum, anhydrite and limestone market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Swedish gypsum, anhydrite and limestone industry emphasized sustainability and local production across regions like Dalarna and Värmland. Strict environmental permits and water court requirements for extraction posed regulatory hurdles, while the processing of old residual rock into ballast and construction stone improved resource efficiency. Increased use of limestone in building stone and floor/wall slabs supported demand in 2020, but market volume fell to 2 018 thousand tons in 2021, likely constrained by permit-related limits on quarrying.

Growing demand for limestone in construction and interior design during 2022 boosted imports to 1 155 thousand tons. By 2023, domestic production rose to 2 840 thousand tons and exports dropped, pushing market volume to 3 273 thousand tons. In 2024, production increased further to 2 961 thousand tons, but market volume eased slightly to 3 191 thousand tons due to trade shifts, while the market value climbed to 78.5 million USD, indicating higher prices or a move toward more value-added products.

Production gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports gypsum, anhydrite and limestone from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Sweden's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone rebounded in 2020. The country shipped 1 078 K t of these materials that year, marking a modest 6.3% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually fell by 17.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.2%. The lowest point was in 2019, with exports dropping to 1 014 K t, representing the steepest year-on-year decrease of 14.7% during this timeframe.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland dominated Sweden's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in volume terms, accounting for 85.2% of the total. All other markets combined made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, the value of Sweden's gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone exports rose in 2020. That year, exports totaled 15 348 K $ US, showing a strong year-on-year gain of 18.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 961 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.3% compared to the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Finland remained the primary destination for Sweden's exports in value terms, capturing 70.4% of the total. The rest was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports gypsum, anhydrite and limestone to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 897 K t, a decrease of 3.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.5%, averaging 1.2% growth per year. The peak was in 2018 at 988 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 14.1%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the steepest decline of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and Germany were the main sources for Sweden's imports in volume terms. France accounted for 35.7% of imports, Spain for 29.9%, and Germany for 17.3%, together making up 83.0% of the total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Sweden imported approximately 16 554 K $ US worth of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone, indicating a moderate uptick of 7.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 15 389 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 18.3%. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 18 841 K $ US, also marking the biggest increase of 14.0% during this period.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Spain, and Germany led Sweden's import structure in value terms. France held a 30.9% share, Spain 22.0%, and Germany 18.4%, collectively representing 71.2% of total imports.

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

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