Natural cork articles market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market value for natural cork articles in Spain increased from 16 322 thousand USD to 56 316 thousand USD. This growth occurred despite a decline in domestic production, primarily because exports fell sharply from 136 182 thousand USD in 2018 to 40 288 thousand USD in 2020. The initial stability in 2018 was supported by sustainable management practices, including the approval of the Natural Resources Management Plan for Los Alcornocales in Andalusia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global wine demand, which accounts for 95% of direct cork stopper sales, leading to a significant contraction in export volumes.

In the following years, the market adapted to new conditions. The sector's recovery was marked by a historic sales campaign for cork and stoppers in the 2021-2022 period, with rising prices indicating renewed demand. Regulatory developments played a key role: the IX State Collective Agreement for the cork sector for 2022-2024 established new labor and economic conditions, while the promotion of FSC certification for natural cork opened access to markets valuing sustainability. Furthermore, changes in organic production rules allowed natural cork stoppers to be certified as an organic product from 2022, expanding market opportunities. The gradual implementation of the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) from 2024 introduced new traceability and sustainability requirements for the supply chain.

Production natural cork articles in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of natural cork articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 43 642 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.1% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 33.1%, with an average annual decline of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's production of natural cork articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 798 tonnes, representing a significant year-over-year reduction of 23.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 30.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports natural cork articles from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of natural cork articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 893 tonnes, showing a steep fall of 43.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 71.6%, with an average annual decline of 34.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 965 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 54.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal and France consistently accounted for 85.3% of Spain's total exports in volume, indicating a high concentration of trade with a long tail of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's cross-border shipments of natural cork articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 40.3 million US dollars, down by 42.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 65.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 30.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 136.2 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 48.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy remained the top buyers of natural cork articles from Spain in value terms. France accounted for 50.1% of exports, Portugal for 22.1%, and Italy for 9.4%, collectively representing 81.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports natural cork articles to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's imports of natural cork articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 183 tonnes, constituting an abrupt decrease of 57.1% versus the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 31.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.0%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 23 671 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 66.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and France clearly dominated Spain's import structure in volume, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's imports of natural cork articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 53.0 million US dollars, reflecting a sudden drop of 29.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 29.8%, with an average annual decline of 11.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 90.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 19.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal played the leading role in Spain's imports in value terms, with a share of 75.3% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the rest.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020