Nonwovens market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2024, the Croatian nonwovens market showed variable dynamics in both physical volume and monetary value. The market volume in tons fluctuated, starting at 10 796 t in 2018 and reaching a high of 12 069 t in 2021, before declining and stabilizing around 11 300 t in the final years of the period. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, peaking at 51.4 million USD in 2021 after steady growth from 40.5 million USD in 2018, then experiencing a contraction and a partial recovery to 46.0 million USD by 2024.

The period was marked by a significant expansion in domestic production, which more than doubled from 189 t to 323 t, although it remained a small share of the total market. Imports, which dominated supply, varied between 10 360 t and 13 272 t annually, while exports grew substantially from 452 t to 2 045 t, indicating increased integration into international trade flows for nonwovens.

Production nonwovens in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's nonwovens production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 457 thousand US dollars, showing a strong increase of 10.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 42.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Croatia's nonwovens production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 255.9 tonnes of nonwovens, marking a significant advance of 24.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 47.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%.

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

Exports nonwovens from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 406 tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 1 485 tonnes, representing a 3.7-fold increase. In 2020, Croatia exported 1 485 tonnes of nonwovens, a steep rise of 265.4% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 21.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (39.9% of exports in kind), Slovenia (21.4% of exports in kind), and North Macedonia (13.6% of exports in kind) were consistently the main destinations for Croatia's nonwovens exports in kind. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this period. Exports bottomed in 2019 at 3 046 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 6 463 thousand US dollars, a 2.1-fold difference. In 2020, Croatia exported nonwovens worth 6 463 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 112.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 16.1%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (44.1% of exports in value terms), Slovenia (14.5% of exports in value terms), and Serbia (14.0% of exports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of Croatia's nonwovens exports in value terms. Together, they comprised 72.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports nonwovens to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, foreign nonwovens supplies to Croatia declined. In 2020, imports reached 11 589 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 11 634 tonnes. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 19.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 13.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy (41.7% of imports in kind), Germany (15.3% of imports in kind), and Greece (10.4% of imports in kind) remained the key partners for Croatia's nonwovens imports in kind. Together, these three countries accounted for 67.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's nonwovens imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 47 691 thousand US dollars, indicating a significant rise of 13.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 28.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (31.5% of imports in value terms), Germany (23.4% of imports in value terms), and Slovenia (10.5% of imports in value terms) were the largest suppliers of nonwovens to Croatia in value terms. Together, they formed 65.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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