Insulating glass units market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for insulating glass units in the Netherlands showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2025. It expanded from 6.2 million m² in 2018 to over 7.2 million m² in 2019, driven by rising application in residential and commercial construction, a buoyant renovation sector, and increased demand linked to remote work during lockdowns. However, market volume subsequently contracted to around 5.0 million m² in 2020 and fell further to 4.1 million m² in 2022.

A strong recovery to 6.0 million m² occurred in 2023, largely attributable to the enhanced ISDE subsidy scheme for energy-saving measures. From 2022, the subsidy offered higher grant amounts for high-performance glazing, relaxed minimum surface area rules, and allowed double funding when combined with other insulation measures, stimulating demand. The regulatory landscape was further shaped by the introduction of BENGglas (vacuum glass) with a very low U-value of 0.35, catering to stricter insulation standards under the Building Decree and environmental regulations effective from 2022.

Ongoing policy support included a reduction of VAT on installation labor to 9% for older homes and tighter enforcement of working conditions for glaziers from May 2023. While market volume moderated to 4.8 million m² in 2024, the consistent availability of ISDE subsidies until 2031 and evolving building codes sustained focus on energy-efficient glazing throughout the period.

Production insulating glass units in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands saw its insulating glass units production increase for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 147.6 million US dollars, marking a modest 7.3% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 121.4 million US dollars, which saw a slight decline of 0.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 13.3% rise.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K m²

The Netherlands experienced a third consecutive year of growth in insulating glass units production volume. In 2021, 2 468 thousand square meters were produced, indicating a small gain of 2.3% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 13.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K m²

Exports insulating glass units from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K m²

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 152 thousand square meters of insulating glass units, amounting to a sharp year-on-year rise of 27.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 169 thousand square meters, while the minimum was in 2020 at 119 thousand square meters. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a 29.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K m²

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the principal destinations for exports in kind, accounting for 79.3% of total flows. Belgium led with 63.4% of exports, followed by Germany at 11.8%, and the United Kingdom at 4.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands' insulating glass units export volume reached 20.2 million US dollars, showing a strong 21.2% uptick versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 30.7%, equating to a 9.3% annualized rate. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 21.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 37.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a 21.5% drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Belgium, Germany, and France—together accounted for 75.8% of total exports in value terms of insulating glass units from the Netherlands.

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

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

Imports insulating glass units to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K m²

In 2021, the Netherlands' insulating glass units import volume totaled 3 060 thousand square meters, showing a robust 14.2% increase relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 26.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 199 thousand square meters, which saw a 25.3% increase. The minimum value was in 2020 at 2 680 thousand square meters, experiencing the largest decline of 48.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K m²

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany concentrated 73.5% of total imports in kind, while the remaining volume was shared among many countries with smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands saw its insulating glass units imports increase for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 192.8 million US dollars, which is 18.2% above the 2020 level. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 59.5%, equating to a 16.8% annualized rate.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium were the main directions for imports in value terms, jointly taking 80.6% of total flows, while the residual share was split among other markets.

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

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