Motor vehicle lighting market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian motor vehicle lighting market volume started at 8 207 tonnes in 2018. It then surged by nearly 50% to 12 287 tonnes in 2019, driven by the accelerated adoption of LED lighting technology and the introduction of adaptive intelligent lighting systems by major manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, which stimulated import demand. The market contracted to 10 170 tonnes in 2020, while technological trends such as the continued spread of LED systems and increased consumer focus on proper lighting adjustment persisted.

Market volume further declined to 8 391 tonnes in 2021, even as new players like Tesla entered the Hungarian electric vehicle market and government subsidies boosted electric car sales, factors that shaped longer-term demand for advanced lighting. A sharp recovery followed in 2022, with volume climbing to 10 994 tonnes, supported by a 7.6% growth in electric vehicle sales and competitive price reductions by Tesla, which reinforced the dominance of LED and intelligent lighting systems.

After the 2022 peak, the market shrank again, falling to 9 970 tonnes in 2023 and then to 7 983 tonnes in 2024, completing a cycle of expansion and contraction over the period.

Production motor vehicle lighting in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's motor vehicle lighting production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 40 583 thousand US dollars, marking a gradual decline of 7.9% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 26.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary's motor vehicle lighting production volume has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, 3 529 tonnes were produced, reflecting a significant year-on-year drop of 17.9%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 28.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.7%.

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

Exports motor vehicle lighting from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Hungary's exports of motor vehicle lighting have increased. In 2021, the country exported 1 686 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 37.6% compared to the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, exports overall decreased by 9.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The lowest point was in 2020 at 1 225 tonnes, following the largest decline of 20.4% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Turkey, and Romania were the main markets for Hungary's motor vehicle lighting exports in kind. Germany accounted for 21.0% of exports, Turkey for 20.5%, and Romania for 9.4%, together making up 50.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, Hungary's motor vehicle lighting exports in value terms have rebounded. In 2021, exports amounted to 75.0 million US dollars, indicating a substantial year-on-year increase of 57.2%. Despite this, from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 20.7%, with an annualized rate of 7.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 47.7 million US dollars, after the largest decline of 36.4% in 2019.

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

The structure of Hungary's motor vehicle lighting exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 shows a diversified set of partners. Germany accounted for 23.9% of exports, Slovakia for 9.8%, and Romania for 9.8%, jointly representing only 43.6% of total flows. The remaining 56.4% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports motor vehicle lighting to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

The import market for motor vehicle lighting in Hungary showed volatility during the observed period. In 2019, imports peaked at 9 061 tonnes, while the trough was in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Hungary imported approximately 6 548 tonnes, marking a reduction of 7.7% year-on-year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 21.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 77.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's imports of motor vehicle lighting in kind were highly diversified. Austria accounted for 20.9% of imports, Slovakia for 15.3%, and Italy for 10.9%, together making up only 47.1% of total flows. The remaining 52.9% came from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Hungary's motor vehicle lighting imports in value terms amounted to 326.9 million US dollars, reflecting a slight rise of 1.1% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 52.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.2%. The largest decline was in 2020 at 0.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 52.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's motor vehicle lighting imports in value terms were supplied from a broad set of markets. Slovakia accounted for 17.5% of imports, Austria for 16.4%, and Italy for 15.5%, together representing only 49.4% of total imports. The remaining 50.6% came from many smaller destinations.

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

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