Not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, import values for non-cellular PS sheets in Slovakia rose from 17.8 million $ to 20.4 million $, with a significant increase in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and shifted consumer preferences, likely affecting demand for packaging materials. Export values varied during this period, falling to 600,000 $ in 2019 before rising to 1.1 million $ in 2020. The market structure featured state-owned and large industrial companies, while the EPS SR Association implemented a quality mark to standardize products and regulate distribution.

From 2021 to 2023, production values increased from 34.4 million $ to 41.3 million $ in 2022, then dropped to 30.1 million $ in 2023; market size showed a similar trend, reaching 59.3 million $ in 2022 before declining to 41.1 million $ in 2023. The energy crisis and geopolitical tensions following the conflict in Ukraine elevated production costs, impacting market valuations. At the same time, heightened environmental awareness and sustainability demands spurred interest in eco-friendly packaging alternatives, influencing consumption patterns for traditional polystyrene sheets.

In 2024, import values fell further to 11.9 million $, consistent with continued pressure from the energy crisis and raw material constraints. The EPS SR Association persisted in its quality oversight, and the growing demand for sustainable materials fostered the development of new product segments within the polystyrene market.

Production not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Slovakia's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets rebounded in 2020. The country exported 223 tonnes, marking a significant 60.2% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 59.5%, with an average annual decline of 26.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 139 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 54.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Hungary were Slovakia's primary partners for exports in kind. Germany accounted for 44.1% of exports, Austria for 15.7%, and Hungary for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 68.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during these years, with a 3.5-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Slovakia's exports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets reached 1 143 thousand US dollars, a 90.4% rise from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 600 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 61.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Hungary formed the key group of partners for Slovakia's exports in value terms. Germany contributed 49.0% of export value, Austria 22.2%, and Hungary 5.9%. Collectively, they accounted for 77.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovakia's imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets totaled 7 795 tonnes, a 61.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 54.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 4 838 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and Poland were the core sources for Slovakia's imports in kind. Austria supplied 48.6% of imports, Czechia 29.0%, and Poland 3.5%. Together, these three countries made up 81.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The import value reached 20 371 thousand US dollars, showing a solid 13.6% improvement compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 30.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and Germany led the structure of Slovakia's imports in value terms. Austria accounted for 41.1% of import value, Czechia for 22.8%, and Germany for 12.0%. Combined, these three partners represented 75.9% of total import flows.

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

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