Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-refractory mortars and concretes in the Netherlands expanded to 16 748 thousand tons in 2019, supported by the consistent use of cement and concrete mortar across residential and non-residential construction sectors, where over 90% of cement is processed into concrete for strength and durability. However, by 2020 market volume contracted to 13 879 thousand tons as the industry began implementing life cycle analysis tools to monitor and reduce CO₂ emissions in the production phase.

After a moderate recovery to 14 394 thousand tons in 2022, the market dropped sharply to 10 651 thousand tons in 2023 and further to 10 368 thousand tons in 2024. This decline was driven by negative expectations for non-residential construction production in the Netherlands and Europe, with a delayed recovery anticipated until 2025. Simultaneously, the European Union's revision of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) impacted CE marking and product standards for prefabricated concrete products. In 2024, an increased waste tax on incineration and landfill aimed at stimulating reuse and recycling also affected construction and demolition waste streams relevant to the concrete mortar market.

Looking toward 2025, the sector is adapting to the rapid growth of industrial building and prefabricated production, which already accounts for over 21% of new residential units, boosting demand for prefabricated concrete. Sustainability initiatives such as the Betonakkoord and the Roadmap CO₂ Betonindustrie are promoting investment in low-CO₂ concrete and circular materials, while a new collective labor agreement for the concrete products industry has been declared universally binding.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands has seen its production of non-refractory mortars and concretes grow for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 735.5 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 3.9% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 18.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of non-refractory mortars and concretes in the Netherlands has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 13 630 thousand tonnes, down by 1.6% from the year before. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 16 694 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 14.8%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 17.0%.

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

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes from the Netherlands have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 68.7 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 6.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 86.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 14.4%. The sharpest decline was recorded in 2020, dropping by 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and Norway were the primary partners for the Netherlands' exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes in kind. Belgium accounted for 55.7% of exports, Germany for 22.3%, and Norway for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 88.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes from the Netherlands have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 42 318 thousand US dollars, up by 22.1% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 52.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark were the main destinations for the Netherlands' exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes in value terms. Germany held a 47.0% share, Belgium 29.8%, and Denmark 5.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 82.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non-refractory mortars and concretes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 131.4 thousand tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes, a significant increase of 31.0% compared to the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 3.6%, with an annualized decline of 1.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 100.3 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest drop of 28.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 140.4 thousand tonnes.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany was the leading supplier of non-refractory mortars and concretes to the Netherlands, accounting for 70.5% of total imports in kind. Other partners contributed relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes into the Netherlands rebounded in 2021. The import value rose by 18.5% over the past year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 5.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 58 571 thousand US dollars, while the largest decrease occurred in 2019, falling by 8.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the key supplier of non-refractory mortars and concretes to the Netherlands in value terms, holding a 71.0% share of total imports. The remaining portion was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

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