Mineral wool market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Croatian mineral wool market was characterized by the dominance of basalt wool from major producers like Technonikol, Knauf, and Paroc, with a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free materials. The entry of new, improved insulation products from companies such as URSA and Schwenk in 2019 diversified the offering, yet market volume declined by 23% to 27.3 thousand tons that year. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020, affecting raw material availability, but market volume grew 17% to 32.0 thousand tons as demand for energy-efficient insulation persisted.

Between 2021 and 2024, ongoing global supply chain challenges and innovation influenced the market. Demand for products with environmental certifications supported a 17% volume increase to 37.5 thousand tons in 2021. Producers continued to innovate with wool offering better moisture and fire resistance in 2022, a year when market volume stabilized at 37.0 thousand tons. A 7% drop in production reduced market volume to 33.8 thousand tons in 2023, but a recovery in output led to a 13% growth in 2024, reaching 38.3 thousand tons.

Production mineral wool in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Mineral wool production in Croatia experienced a two-year period of growth before declining. In 2019, output reached its peak at 114.4 million US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 112.7 million US dollars, representing a 1.4% decrease. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Croatia's mineral wool production volume grew for two consecutive years before entering a decline. In 2019, production peaked at 163.0 thousand tonnes, but in 2020 it dropped to 158.9 thousand tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.6%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018, when production rose by 1.7%.

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

Exports mineral wool from Croatia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Croatia's cross-border shipments of mineral wool totaled 148.2 thousand tonnes, which was 3.9% lower than in 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 147.0 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 154.3 thousand tonnes. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when exports grew by 5.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Croatia's mineral wool exports in volume terms were Italy, Slovenia, and Romania. Italy accounted for 46.5% of exports, Slovenia for 14.2%, and Romania for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 72.0% of Croatia's total mineral wool export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Croatia's mineral wool exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Exports reached 117.1 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 15.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 35.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 10.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Romania were the leading markets for Croatia's mineral wool exports in value terms. Italy accounted for 38.3% of export value, Slovenia for 13.8%, and Romania for 8.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 61.0% of Croatia's total mineral wool export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports mineral wool to Croatia

Imports in kind, K t

Croatia's mineral wool imports in volume terms showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.2 times. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 21.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 15.0% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.0%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, when imports surged by 110.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia, Italy, and Slovenia formed the core of Croatia's mineral wool imports in volume terms. Slovakia accounted for 32.3% of imports, Italy for 14.6%, and Slovenia for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 57.6% of Croatia's total mineral wool import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Croatia's mineral wool imports in value terms exhibited an unstable trend throughout the observed period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2018, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 12.9 million US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged compared to 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 14.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, when imports jumped by 138.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovakia, Poland, and Italy were the main sources of Croatia's mineral wool imports in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 26.2% of import value, Poland for 18.9%, and Italy for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 57.1% of Croatia's total mineral wool import value during this timeframe.

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

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