Methylene chloride market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish methylene chloride market volume increased from 9.2 тыс. т in 2018 to 10.0 тыс. т in 2020, driven by rising imports that compensated for declining domestic production. A contraction to 9.6 тыс. т occurred in 2021 as import growth halted and exports rose.

In value terms, the market dipped to 4.8 млн $ in 2019 before recovering to 5.2 млн $ in 2020 and then surging to 7.7 млн $ in 2021, pointing to substantial price increases or changes in the product mix. This preceded new European regulations implemented in January 2022 that required detailed labeling for mixtures containing methylene chloride, especially in tattoos and permanent makeup, and restricted paint strippers with concentrations above 0.1% by weight.

Post-regulation, import volumes held steady around 11.1-12.2 тыс. т from 2022 to 2023, while export volumes varied. Import volumes dropped to 3.5 тыс. т in 2024. These regulatory measures, coupled with a growing preference among consumers and professionals for safer alternatives due to methylene chloride's toxicity and carcinogenic classification, reshaped market conditions by imposing stricter handling and spill management rules.

Production methylene chloride in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's methylene chloride production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 231 K $ US, down 16.0% year-over-year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 664 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 36.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Methylene chloride production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 2 251 tons, showing a modest decrease of 9.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 946 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 27.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports methylene chloride from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's methylene chloride exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 404 tons, reflecting a gradual decrease of 7.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 13%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.5%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 169 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 6.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, falling by 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Algeria, and Morocco were the main destinations for Spain's methylene chloride exports by volume. Portugal accounted for 44.1% of exports, Algeria for 17.2%, and Morocco for 12.5%. Together, these three countries represented 73.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's methylene chloride export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 397 K $ US, marking an 18.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 3 323 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 28.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Algeria, and Morocco formed the primary group of destinations for Spain's methylene chloride exports by value. Portugal accounted for 49.6% of export value, Algeria for 14.4%, and Morocco for 8.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 72.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports methylene chloride to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's methylene chloride imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 11 129 tons, reflecting a moderate rise of 4.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 115.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France and Germany were the primary suppliers of methylene chloride to Spain by volume, together accounting for 94.3% of total imports. Other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's methylene chloride import value increased in 2020, reaching 6 343 K $ US, which reflects a slight advance of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 8.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 6 656 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 13.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Spain's methylene chloride imports by value was highly concentrated, with France and Germany together accounting for 91.3% of total flows. Other partners formed a residual portion.

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

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