Insulated wire and optical fibre cables market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Lithuanian market for insulated wire and optical fibre cables expanded from 28 460 t to 46 603 t. This growth was supported by the ongoing modernization of AB Lietkabelis, the main state-influenced producer, and rising demand for optical fibre cables driven by the rollout of broadband internet and telecommunications infrastructure. Investments by Lietkabelis into innovative, high-temperature-resistant wires and the emergence of new product segments for specialized industrial cables further contributed to market expansion.

Between 2021 and 2024, the market continued to grow, reaching 58 837 t. The most pronounced surge occurred in 2021, with a 33% increase to 46 603 t, largely due to the accelerated deployment of 5G networks and digital transformation, which sharply boosted demand for optical fibre cables. Updated wiring regulations mandating safer, more durable insulation materials like XLPE, alongside the Energy Ministry's initiatives to reduce administrative burdens for renewable energy projects, provided additional stimulus. By 2024, market growth moderated to 2.5%, while domestic production stabilized at around 41 000 t.

Production insulated wire and optical fibre cables in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, Lithuania's production of insulated wire and optical fibre cables increased in 2021. Output reached 150.0 million US dollars, marking a gradual 6.6% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 28.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 140.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 26.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Lithuania's production volume of insulated wire and optical fibre cables grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 29 562 tonnes, reflecting a steep 33.8% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 77.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 21.1%.

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

Exports insulated wire and optical fibre cables from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Exports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables from Lithuania declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, shipments totalled 16 436 tonnes, showing a robust 15.5% drop year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 33.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Lithuania's exports in kind were Finland, Sweden, and Latvia. Together, they accounted for 55.3% of total export flows during this period.

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, M $ US

Lithuania's export value of insulated wire and optical fibre cables fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports stood at 298.6 million US dollars, showing no significant change compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 33.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland were the top destinations for Lithuania's exports in value terms. Sweden accounted for 34.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.0%, and Finland for 9.1%. Together, these three markets comprised 56.9% of total export 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 insulated wire and optical fibre cables to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Imports of insulated wire and optical fibre cables into Lithuania increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 33 478 tonnes, showing a limited 3.4% rise year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 8.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 32 292 tonnes, which also saw the largest drop of 11.4%.

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

Data from 2018 to 2021 indicate that imports in kind of insulated wire and optical fibre cables to Lithuania were not heavily concentrated. Poland, Belarus, and Estonia were the top sources, accounting for 25.7%, 8.9%, and 8.6% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up only 43.1% of total import 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, M $ US

After two years of decline, Lithuania's import value of insulated wire and optical fibre cables increased in 2021. Imports reached 277.0 million US dollars, representing a dramatic 29.2% gain compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 214.3 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 17.0% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's supplier base for insulated wire and optical fibre cables was broad. Poland, Finland, and Germany were the leading sources, contributing 17.9%, 10.9%, and 10.1% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they accounted for only 38.9% of total imports, with many other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

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