Natural sands market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market value of natural sands in Finland showed significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2024. Starting at 10.98 million dollars in 2018, it rose to 12.15 million in 2019 before dropping sharply to 6.97 million in 2020. A recovery followed, reaching 13.63 million by 2022, after which the market softened to 13.41 million in 2023 and declined further to 10.17 million in 2024.

Regulatory changes began impacting the market from 2023. In June 2023, a revised Nature Conservation Act and updated mining legislation entered into force, tightening permitting and extraction rules for natural resources like sand, which likely constrained supply. The following year, amendments to the Land Use and Building Act imposed new climate data and carbon footprint requirements on construction products, while EU emission allowance reforms increased production costs. These measures encouraged a shift toward manufactured sand and recycled aggregates, reducing demand for natural sand and contributing to the market's contraction.

Production natural sands in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Finland's natural sands production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 8 503 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 417 thousand US dollars, which saw a 2.9% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.1% drop.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Natural sands production in Finland declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Finland produced 602.7 thousand tonnes of natural sands, which is 12.0% less than in the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The peak was in 2018 at 725.9 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.4% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports natural sands from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 4 297 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 16 541 tonnes, resulting in a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Finland exported 16 541 tonnes of natural sands, a substantial increase of 284.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 33.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden was the dominant destination for Finland's natural sands exports in volume terms, accounting for 79.7% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Export values reached their minimum in 2019 at 1 073 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 5 317 thousand US dollars, showing a fivefold difference. In 2020, natural sands deliveries from Finland were valued at 5 317 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 395.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 59.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland's natural sands exports in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in Sweden, which accounted for 93.8% of the total.

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

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

Imports natural sands to Finland

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 18 660 tonnes, while the highest was in 2017, creating a 2.9-fold gap. In 2020, Finland imported 37 919 tonnes of natural sands, a significant gain of 103.2% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 62.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland's natural sands imports in volume terms were largely oriented towards Belgium and Latvia, whose combined share reached 81.4% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Finland imported natural sands valued at 3 785 thousand US dollars, down by 17.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 668 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 4 571 thousand US dollars, which saw a 24.6% increase.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Sweden, and Denmark led as the top suppliers of natural sands to Finland in value terms. Belgium accounted for 42.5% of imports, Sweden for 23.5%, and Denmark for 9.6%, with their combined share reaching 75.6% of total imports.

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

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