Nonwovens market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Lithuanian nonwovens market grew from 7 870 t to 10 031 t. This initial expansion was supported by rising demand from medical, industrial, and consumer goods sectors, alongside the adoption of new production technologies like needle-punching and hydroentangling. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 sharply increased demand for nonwovens in medical supplies and personal protective equipment, with state-owned and large industrial firms actively expanding production to meet the surge.

Market growth accelerated further, reaching 13 215 t by 2022. This period saw the emergence of new product segments, such as sustainable and biodegradable nonwovens, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainability. Companies invested in new production lines for eco-friendly products, while government policy supported innovation and the use of recycled materials. Stricter labeling requirements introduced in 2021 aimed to improve consumer information on product composition and environmental impact.

After 2022, market volume continued to rise, reaching 16 652 t in 2024. This sustained growth reflects the longer-term trends established in the earlier part of the period, including ongoing investments in production capacity and the integration of sustainable materials into the market.

Production nonwovens in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lithuania's nonwovens production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 14 344 thousand US dollars, showing a significant increase of 44.5% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 37.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 661 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Lithuania's nonwovens production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 5 022 tonnes of nonwovens, marking a substantial year-on-year advance of 18.3%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The minimum output was in 2019 at 4 189 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports nonwovens from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, nonwovens exports from Lithuania declined. In 2021, the country exported 3 700 tonnes, representing an abrupt decrease of 28.7% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports still increased by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The peak was in 2020 at 5 187 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 26.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Poland, and Germany were the key markets for Lithuania's nonwovens exports in volume terms. Russia accounted for 24.0% of exports, Poland for 19.7%, and Germany for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 56.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year rise, nonwovens exports from Lithuania in value terms declined. In 2021, exports totaled 16 998 thousand US dollars, a fall of 8.2% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 13%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 526 thousand US dollars, which also had the largest increase of 13.3%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Russia, Poland, and Latvia were the top buyers of nonwovens from Lithuania in value terms. Russia led with 35.9% of exports, followed by Poland at 12.2% and Latvia at 9.9%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 58.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports nonwovens to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Lithuania's nonwovens imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 11 177 tonnes, a slight uptick of 1.9% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew significantly by 61.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, China, Poland, and Belarus formed the core group of suppliers for Lithuania's nonwovens imports in volume terms. China accounted for 22.6% of imports, Poland for 15.0%, and Belarus for 14.1%. Together, these three countries represented 51.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Nonwovens imports into Lithuania have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 48 792 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp gain of 31.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 76.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's import partners for nonwovens in value terms were quite diverse. Germany accounted for 18.2% of imports, China for 15.3%, and Poland for 12.8%. Together, these three countries represented 46.3% of total import flows.

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

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