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

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for non-cellular PS sheets opened the period at 60 294 tons in 2018, supported by growth in the European construction sector which boosted long-term polystyrene demand. However, the market contracted to 58 135 tons in 2019 as heightened environmental awareness and new EU regulations began limiting production and use. Despite global supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability in 2020, market volume edged up to 58 860 tons, sustained by strong demand for packaging in medical and construction applications.

A sharp decline to 53 328 tons occurred in 2021, coinciding with Spanish government initiatives promoting resource conservation and energy efficiency, which spurred the market for recycled plastics including polystyrene. Subsequent years were shaped by stricter environmental regulations limiting non-recycled polystyrene and a consumer-driven shift toward sustainable alternatives. By 2024, the market recovered to 57 125 tons, driven by rising e‑commerce activity boosting demand for expanded polystyrene packaging and increased production and use of recycled and bio‑based polystyrene, supported by leading local recycling companies such as S. Solís Recuperación y Reciclaje S.A. and Acteco.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Production of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 101.7 million US dollars, marking a modest contraction of 7.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 16%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 136.8 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 19.4%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, with growth of 13.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's production of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 41,972 tonnes were produced, representing a 5.1% decline from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 46,892 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with growth of 30.1%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Spain exported 17,329 tonnes of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets in 2020, constituting a decline of 5.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 16,544 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 10.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with growth of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—France, Portugal, and Germany—together absorbed 61.0% of Spain's total exports in volume of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets.

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, K $ US

Exports of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets from Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain exported 47.185 million US dollars' worth, down by 12.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (32.2% of exports in value terms), Portugal (15.7%), and Germany (11.0%) remained the main buyers of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets from Spain, jointly accounting for 58.9% of total exports in value.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Imports of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets into Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported 31,946 tonnes, amounting to a rise of 6.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 29,946 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 3.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with growth of 7.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France (39.7% of imports in volume), Portugal (31.1%), and Germany (7.5%) formed the key group of partners for imports of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets into Spain, jointly representing 78.3% of total flows.

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, K $ US

Imports of non-reinforced, non-laminated, non-cellular polystyrene sheets into Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 72.707 million US dollars, equivalent to a small decline of 1.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France (39.9% of imports in value terms), Portugal (25.1%), and Germany (11.4%) formed the core of imports in value terms, together accounting for 76.5% of total flows.

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

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