Made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for made-up fishing nets experienced a sharp contraction from 2 162 t in 2019 to 721 t in 2023, a decline closely tied to stricter national fishing regulations. The implementation of Decreto-Lei 35/2019 reinforced controls and sanctions against illegal fishing, while Decreto-Lei 73/2020 introduced comprehensive licensing for fishing gear, including experimental permits. These regulatory measures likely reduced demand for new nets as fishing operations adapted to tighter compliance and sustainability requirements.

From 2023, the market began to stabilize, with volume reaching 840 t in 2024. This shift coincided with the rise of circular economy projects, such as the collection and repurposing of discarded fishing nets in the Algarve under the Blue Bioeconomy Pact. Research initiatives led by the University of Minho and TMG Textiles focused on developing sustainable textiles from old nets and marine biomass, creating new industrial demand for recycled materials. Looking toward 2025, further innovation is driven by planned sportswear launches using recycled net fibers, increased demand for eco-friendly fishing gear, and anticipated changes to EU fishing quotas that will directly influence sector activity.

Production made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

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

Exports made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal exported 3 542 tonnes of these fishing nets, representing a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 23.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 8.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the largest buyers of Portugal's made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in terms of volume were France (14.1% of exports), Spain (13.2% of exports), and Denmark (8.2% of exports). However, together they accounted for only 35.6% of total exports, indicating a diversified market structure with many other countries involved.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Portugal's exports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in value terms showed a recovery. In 2021, exports reached 25 013 thousand US dollars, marking a modest increase of 5.3% over the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 16.9%, averaging an annual decline of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 23 756 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 17.9% decrease.

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

The market for Portugal's exports of made-up fishing nets in value terms was broad from 2018 to 2021. Spain (15.1% of exports), Chile (7.9% of exports), and Norway (7.7% of exports) together made up just 30.8% of total exports, with the remaining 69.2% distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports made up fishing nets of man-made textile materials to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

The import market for made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in Portugal showed significant volatility during this period. Imports fluctuated widely, with a two-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2021, imports amounted to 156 tonnes, a sharp decrease of 24.8% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 208 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 79.6% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (32.8% of imports), India (31.6% of imports), and the Netherlands (19.0% of imports) were consistently the main sources for Portugal's imports of made-up fishing nets in terms of volume. Together, they accounted for 83.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's imports of made-up fishing nets from man-made textile materials in value terms experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. Imports varied by a factor of two, from a high in 2020 to a low in 2018. In 2021, imports stood at 1 119 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 36.7% over the past year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 767 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 75.5% rise.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain (42.4% of imports), India (20.8% of imports), and the Netherlands (13.8% of imports) remained the primary markets for Portugal's imports of made-up fishing nets in value terms. Collectively, they represented 77.0% of total import flows.

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

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