Moulds for rubber or plastics market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for moulds in the Netherlands expanded from $99.9 million in 2018 to $127.7 million in 2021. This growth was underpinned by strong innovation in the plastic and rubber sector, where large international machine and mould makers invested heavily in advanced materials and designs. The introduction of 3D-printed injection moulds around 2019, such as the PRIM® technology, significantly shortened lead times for prototypes and small series, accelerating product development and lowering market entry barriers.

A growing focus on sustainability and the circular economy in 2020 prompted adaptations in mould design and production processes to better facilitate material recycling and reuse. Subsequently, in 2021, Dutch mould makers and injection moulding companies invested in automation and digitalization, including CAD software and mould flow analysis. These improvements enhanced manufacturing efficiency and quality, helping production value recover to $130.9 million and supporting the rise in market size.

Following 2021, production value continued its upward trajectory, reaching $186.5 million by 2024, while exports surged to $141.9 million. The domestic market size stabilized around $125 million in 2023-2024. In 2022, global factors including raw material price volatility and logistical challenges influenced trade flows, but Dutch firms maintained their focus on innovation in mould design and production to sustain competitiveness.

Production moulds for rubber or plastics in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of moulds for rubber or plastics in the Netherlands was valued at 130.9 million US dollars, marking an 8.0% increase compared to 2020.

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

Exports moulds for rubber or plastics from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, exports of moulds for rubber or plastics from the Netherlands totalled 1 222 tonnes, representing a significant gain of 52.7% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 801 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 27.0%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 17%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, exports in kind of moulds for rubber or plastics from the Netherlands were spread across many countries. Germany accounted for 28.1% of exports in kind, Belgium for 10.5%, and Ireland for 9.3%, with these three countries jointly representing only 47.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of exported moulds for rubber or plastics from the Netherlands reached 89 463 thousand US dollars, up by 17.9% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 99 991 thousand US dollars, while the minimum was in 2020 at 75 868 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 24.1%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of exports in value terms remained highly diversified. Germany contributed 19.6% of exports in value terms, Ireland 12.6%, and the United States 12.2%, together accounting for only 44.5% of total flows. A long tail of smaller markets made up the remaining 55.5%.

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

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

Imports moulds for rubber or plastics to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, the volume of moulds for rubber or plastics imports into the Netherlands amounted to 3 087 tonnes, which is 42.0% higher than a year earlier. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 174 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 23.9%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 41.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, China dominated imports in kind with 62.4%, followed by Germany at 10.6% and Belgium at 3.3%. These three countries formed the core, together taking 76.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 86 276 thousand US dollars worth of moulds for rubber or plastics, which is 39.0% more than in 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 62 074 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 6.5%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 30.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China was the leading source for imports in value terms, accounting for 43.0%, followed by Germany at 14.3% and Switzerland at 6.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.4% of total imports in value terms, remaining the main destinations for moulds for rubber or plastics to the Netherlands.

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

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