Motor vehicle seats market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, production of motor vehicle seats in Portugal grew in volume, reaching 34.2 thousand units, driven by trends in cabin personalization, the adoption of ergonomic seats, and the integration of sensors for improved occupant safety. However, the market value declined to 824.5 million USD, likely due to competitive pressures and a shift toward more sustainable or cost-effective materials. The sector was then hit in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated supply chain disruptions, which caused a sharp contraction in both volume and value, with production falling to 28.8 thousand units.

The market downturn intensified in 2021, with production volume collapsing to 16.2 thousand units, as the beginning of the energy transition toward electric vehicles, coupled with insufficient public incentives and complex legislation, created uncertainty and slowed automotive demand. A recovery began in 2022, supported by the growing fleet of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and a consumer preference for SUVs and crossovers, which often feature more customizable and comfortable seating. By 2023, while the physical market volume saw a slight stabilization, the market value rose to 372.2 million USD, reflecting the increasing share of electric vehicles—reaching 20% of new passenger car registrations—and the corresponding demand for more advanced, higher-value seating systems. Growth continued in 2024, with production volume reaching 18.9 thousand units and market value 392.6 million USD, bolstered by sustained expansion of the charging infrastructure, improvements in electric vehicle range, and changes in automotive taxation, including a reduction in autonomous tax rates for corporate vehicles.

Production motor vehicle seats in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's motor vehicle seat production has declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, output was valued at 310.6 million US dollars, representing a 54.0% year-over-year decrease. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 63.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 28.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Motor vehicle seat production in Portugal has declined for two consecutive years. In 2021, Portugal produced 16 229 thousand units, showing a sharp drop of 43.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 51.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 21.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 34 227 thousand units, which represented a 1.8% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports motor vehicle seats from Portugal

Exports in kind, unit

The export market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 62 381 units, then surged to 543 118 units in 2021, representing a 770.6% increase year-over-year. The difference between these years was 8.7-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 23.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and France dominated Portugal's motor vehicle seat exports in volume terms, together accounting for 91.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

Motor vehicle seat exports from Portugal have declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, export value reached 15 816 thousand US dollars, indicating an 8.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 42.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 17.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and France were the main destinations for Portugal's motor vehicle seat exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 89.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports motor vehicle seats to Portugal

Imports in kind, unit

Import volumes showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The market peaked in 2019 at 89 409 units, then fell to its lowest point in 2021 at 8 023 units, representing a 50.9% decrease from 2020. The difference between the peak and trough was 11.1-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 81.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 107.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Italy, and Turkey were the main sources of Portugal's motor vehicle seat imports in volume terms. Spain accounted for 47.4% of imports, Italy for 21.0%, and Turkey for 10.6%, together representing 79.0% of total import volumes.

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 motor vehicle seat imports have declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports were valued at 2 826 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decrease of 41.5% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 73.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 35.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Italy, and Turkey were the principal sources of Portugal's motor vehicle seat imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 49.1% of import value, Italy for 19.1%, and Turkey for 9.5%, together representing 77.6% 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