Moulds for rubber or plastics market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese moulds industry entered the period as a globally significant player, with exports reaching a record high in 2018 and the sector characterized by many small and medium-sized enterprises. This export-oriented model, where over 90% of production was shipped abroad, initially supported strong performance. However, by 2020, the global shift towards electric vehicles and sustainable mobility began challenging the dominant automotive client base, which accounted for over 70% of production, likely contributing to a contraction in domestic market size.

In response, the industry intensified its focus on diversification and innovation. Significant investment from Repsol in the Sines industrial complex for recyclable polymeric materials in 2021 highlighted the sector's move towards sustainability. By 2023, successful market diversification, evidenced by a 91.5% increase in exports to Romania since 2019, helped drive a recovery in production volumes. The domestic market size, however, remained under pressure as the industry prioritized serving international demand amid a restructuring automotive sector.

The latter part of the period was shaped by stringent new European and national regulations targeting packaging waste and promoting circularity, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation effective from 2026. These rules, including mandates for recycled content in plastic bottles, directed industry investment towards greener processes and materials. Continued emphasis on technological innovation and digitalization, showcased at events like MOLDPLAS 2025, aimed to maintain Portugal's position as a top European moulds producer amidst evolving environmental standards.

Production moulds for rubber or plastics in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Portugal's output of moulds for rubber or plastics was valued at 649.9 million US dollars, marking a 5.6% decline compared to the previous year.

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

Exports moulds for rubber or plastics from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of moulds for rubber or plastics declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 22 571 tonnes, representing a 7.8% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 25.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and France remained the top buyers of Portugal's moulds for rubber or plastics in volume terms. Germany accounted for 19.4% of exports, Spain for 17.7%, and France for 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented 52.1% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Portugal's export value of moulds for rubber or plastics declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume reached 532.8 million US dollars, showing a 10.0% contraction compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 32.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for Portugal's exports of moulds for rubber or plastics in value terms were Germany, Spain, and France. Germany held a 19.8% share, Spain 17.3%, and France 13.8%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 50.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports moulds for rubber or plastics to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's imports of moulds for rubber or plastics in volume terms were recorded at 5 620 tonnes, reflecting a significant drop of 19.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 28.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 0.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, China, and Germany were the principal sources for Portugal's imports of moulds for rubber or plastics in volume terms. Spain contributed 21.2% of imports, China 20.6%, and Germany 16.3%. Together, these three countries made up 58.1% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

In 2021, Portugal's imports of moulds for rubber or plastics in value terms totalled 140.1 million US dollars, indicating a strong decline of 16.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 31.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 18.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 0.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and China remained the main destinations for Portugal's imports of moulds for rubber or plastics in value terms. Spain accounted for 21.0% of imports, Germany for 20.9%, and China for 14.0%. Together, these countries represented 55.9% of total imports.

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

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