Natural and modified natural polymers market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, domestic production of natural and modified natural polymers in Denmark remained modest, fluctuating between 140 and 151 tons annually. The market volume, reflecting domestic supply and trade, contracted from 1 578 tons in 2018 to 1 117 tons in 2020, driven by a decline in net import volumes.

In the following years, import volumes showed variability, reaching a peak of 2 749 tons in 2023 before decreasing to 1 984 tons in 2024. Exports exhibited a sharp, atypical increase to 5 735 tons in 2023, which heavily influenced the trade balance, before returning to levels around 1 000 tons. During this period, a growing global focus on sustainable materials emerged, with worldwide bioplastics production capacity expected to rise significantly from 2.2 million tons in 2022, reflecting increased investment in bio-based and biodegradable polymers that shaped the market environment.

The overall 2018-2025 period illustrates a Danish market reliant on imports, with domestic production playing a minor role. The trade volatility, particularly the exceptional export volume in 2023, points to shifting international flows and the influence of broader environmental trends on the sector.

Production natural and modified natural polymers in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Denmark's production of natural and modified natural polymers has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 28 863 K $ US, marking a 14.3% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 42.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Denmark produced 151.0 t of natural and modified natural polymers, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 8.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 139.5 t, while the highest was in 2020 at 151.0 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 3.3%, and the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 8.2%.

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

Exports natural and modified natural polymers from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's exports of natural and modified natural polymers have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 952 t, representing a sharp 40.0% rise compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 51.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, exports in kind were spread across numerous partner countries. Thailand accounted for 17.5% of exports, Sweden for 8.4%, and France for 6.9%, together making up 32.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of natural and modified natural polymers exported from Denmark has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 53 021 K $ US, reflecting a significant 15.1% year-on-year gain. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 30.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, the United States, and Slovenia were the top destinations for Denmark's exports in value terms. Sweden accounted for 36.7% of exports, the United States for 14.3%, and Slovenia for 5.1%, collectively representing 56.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports natural and modified natural polymers to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Denmark's imports of natural and modified natural polymers rebounded in 2021. Imports totaled 2 422 t, up 47.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 17.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 1 646 t, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 15.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, France, and Germany were the primary sources for Denmark's imports in kind. China contributed 32.9% of imports, France 22.4%, and Germany 14.6%, together accounting for 70.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market showed volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 20 872 K $ US and peaked in 2021 at 42 176 K $ US, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 42 176 K $ US, surging by 102.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 10.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, France, Germany, and China consistently led in the value structure of Denmark's imports. France and Germany each accounted for 18.0% of imports, while China contributed 16.5%, together making up 52.4% of total import value.

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

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