Nonwovens market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish nonwovens market volume grew from 125.3 thousand tons in 2020 to 158.0 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by the surge in demand for medical nonwovens during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased need for masks, gowns, and other protective items. Concurrently, steady demand from the automotive sector, accounting for over 25% of consumption, supported volumes, alongside applications in construction and personal care. Innovation projects, such as the development of antimicrobial nonwovens funded by IVACE and FEDER grants, contributed to product diversification and enhanced competitiveness.

In 2024, market volume contracted to 135.2 thousand tons. This decline coincided with periods of raw material price volatility, which raised production costs and affected trade flows. Stricter environmental regulations also began influencing manufacturing processes and market conditions. Meanwhile, exports recovered after a dip in 2023, while imports decreased, altering the balance between domestic production and foreign trade.

Throughout the 2018-2024 period, the automotive industry remained a key demand driver for nonwovens in Spain, utilizing them in vehicle interiors for comfort and durability. Continuous investment in research and development, along with diversification into new applications like agrotextiles and smart fabrics, helped the sector adapt to changing market conditions and maintain innovative activity.

Production nonwovens in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports nonwovens from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's cross-border shipments of nonwovens reached 104.6 thousand tons, marking a 2.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 0.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner landscape for Spain's nonwovens exports in kind was quite diverse. The Netherlands accounted for 17.4% of these exports, Germany for 12.9%, and Italy for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 40.8% of total flows, while the remaining 59.2% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain exported nonwovens worth 392.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 0.8% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 13.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 0.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a 12.9% rise.

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

The market base for Spain's nonwovens exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Germany contributed 13.8% of these exports, Morocco 10.5%, and the Netherlands 9.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 34.2% of total flows, with the remaining 65.8% shared among numerous other nations.

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

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

Imports nonwovens to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of nonwovens in kind increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 91.2 thousand tons, which is 11.6% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the source of 19.5% of Spain's nonwovens imports in kind, China accounted for 16.8%, and Germany for 14.8%. Together, these three countries represented 51.1% of total imports in kind, making them the main suppliers of nonwovens to Spain during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's nonwovens imports reached 343.7 million US dollars, showing a 13.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when imports fell by 3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany contributed 20.3% of Spain's nonwovens imports in value terms, Italy 16.6%, and China 16.5%. These three countries jointly accounted for 53.5% of total import flows, representing the largest share during this timeframe.

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

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