Non-cellular plastic sheets market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Slovakia's market for non-cellular plastic sheets declined from 33 287 tons in 2018 to 31 473 tons in 2019. This contraction coincided with the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and rising pressure on raw material prices, which increased production costs and likely dampened domestic output.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted distribution and logistics, causing demand volatility for single-use plastic packaging films. Subsequently, the July 2021 ban on single-use and oxo-degradable plastic products reshaped market demand. By 2022, the market volume rebounded to 38 300 tons, supported by increased industrial demand for recycled plastics and a growing preference for bio-plastics and PFAS-free masterbatches in response to EU toxicity reduction regulations.

Further regulatory tightening continued to shape the market. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduced certification and documentation requirements for packaging, directly affecting e-commerce and bubble wrap production in Slovakia. Additionally, mandated recycled content targets for PET bottles and planned bans on certain single-use items kept the industry focused on material innovation and compliance.

Production non-cellular plastic sheets in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2019, Slovakia produced 23 411 tonnes of non-cellular plastic sheets, marking a 6.1% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Exports non-cellular plastic sheets from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovakia exported 15 551 tonnes of non-cellular plastic sheets, which represents a 20.3% decline from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 31.1%, with an average annual decrease of 11.7%. The only increase during this timeframe occurred in 2019, when exports rose by 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia's exports of non-cellular plastic sheets were distributed across numerous markets. Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the top three destinations, accounting for 21.9%, 11.4%, and 10.1% of export volumes, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 43.3% of total exports, indicating a diverse market presence.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's exports of non-cellular plastic sheets declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 49.5 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 15.9% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 20.9%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of non-cellular plastic sheets from Slovakia in value terms, accounting for 18.7%, 12.5%, and 11.1% of total export value, respectively. Collectively, these three markets made up 42.3% of total exports, while numerous smaller partners contributed to the remaining share.

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

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

Imports non-cellular plastic sheets to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovakia imported 29 735 tonnes of non-cellular plastic sheets, showing a modest 7.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes grew by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The only decline during this period was in 2019, when imports fell by 0.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, Czechia, and Hungary—dominated Slovakia's imports of non-cellular plastic sheets in volume terms, together accounting for 57.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Slovakia's imports of non-cellular plastic sheets declined in 2020, reaching 100.4 million US dollars, which is 3.2% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 22.1%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 103.7 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a 13.0% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Czechia, and Europe (not elsewhere specified) were the primary sources for Slovakia's imports of non-cellular plastic sheets in value terms, accounting for 27.3%, 18.9%, and 7.5% of total import value, respectively. Together, these three partners represented 53.7% of total imports.

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

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