Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese non-refractory mortars and concretes market expanded from 10.7 million tons in 2018 to 17.6 million tons in 2023, despite a temporary dip in 2021. The initial growth through 2020 was supported by robust construction activity and a rising focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, which increased demand for specialized mortars with enhanced durability and thermal performance.

Market volume contracted by 6.8% in 2021, coinciding with regulatory adjustments to labeling and certification requirements that may have temporarily affected product availability. From 2022 onward, the implementation of Camex Resolution 272/2021 – which clarified fiscal classification and technical standards for mortars and concretes – helped streamline the market. At the same time, new players entered the sector and established multinationals like MAPEI and Saint-Gobain continued to launch innovative products, including mortars for thermal insulation systems and other high-performance applications.

By 2023, tighter regulation and supervision of product composition and labeling, alongside shifting consumer and builder preferences toward eco-friendly and high-performance mortars, further reinforced the market’s move toward more durable and sustainable solutions.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes declined after two years of growth. In 2021, output was valued at 448.6 million US dollars, down 17.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 7.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 542.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Portugal's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes declined after two years of gains. In 2021, 11,935 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a controlled decrease of 6.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 11%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The peak was in 2020 with 12,805 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes from Portugal increased after two years of decline. In 2021, shipments totaled 61,559 tonnes, up 2.7% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 20.4%, with an annualized decline of 7.3%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 59,930 tonnes, which also saw the largest drop of 12.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and Cabo Verde consistently made up 81.3% of total exports in volume, showing a high concentration of trade with a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes increased after two years of decline. In 2021, exports totaled 12,049 thousand US dollars, a significant rise of 11.3% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 10.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 10,828 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest decrease of 19.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Spain, Cabo Verde, and France—accounted for 68.4% of total export value for non-refractory mortars and concretes from Portugal.

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

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

Imports non-refractory mortars and concretes to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes into Portugal rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 62,265 tonnes, a moderate increase of 3.6% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 160.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 37.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain accounted for 78.2% of total imports in volume to Portugal, with the remainder distributed across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes into Portugal increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 19,990 thousand US dollars, up 9.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports surged by 150.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 35.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated imports in value terms, capturing 70.3% of total flows, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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