Organic solvents and paint removers market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for organic solvents and paint removers in Portugal showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2024, finishing at 30.8 million US dollars. This period was defined by the steady tightening of environmental regulations, including the transposition of the European VOC emission limits directive and the ongoing application of the REACH regulation. These rules set maximum VOC content for paints and varnishes and enforced mandatory labeling, which collectively spurred a long-term industry shift towards bio-based and less toxic solvent alternatives.

Market value grew to 28.7 million $ in 2021, supported by the implementation of new technical standards for organic coatings and a rising uptake of eco-friendly solvents. A contraction to 25.7 million $ followed in 2022, coinciding with an update to the REACH regulation that restricted additional hazardous substances, likely prompting a phase of industry adjustment and compliance costs. The market subsequently recovered, climbing to 27.9 million $ in 2023 and reaching 30.8 million $ in 2024, indicating sustained demand for compliant products.

Production organic solvents and paint removers in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Portugal, the output value of organic solvents and paint removers reached 19 283 thousand US dollars in 2021, representing a 5.5% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 12.8%, with an average annual growth rate of -4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 19 131 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 13.5%, while the largest increase was seen in 2020, rising by 6.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Production of organic solvents and paint removers in Portugal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Portugal produced 10 169 tonnes, marking a 7.4% reduction compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 23.9%, with an average annual decline of 8.7%.

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

Exports organic solvents and paint removers from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal exported 8 569 tonnes of organic solvents and paint removers, showing a 10.3% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 24.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 2.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 15.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Morocco, China, and Spain—together accounted for 56.2% of Portugal's total exports of organic solvents and paint removers in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of organic solvents and paint removers from Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 10 332 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong advance of 23.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 347 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 17.4%.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, exports in value terms of organic solvents and paint removers from Portugal were not heavily concentrated. Spain accounted for 18.1% of exports, China for 16.7%, and Angola for 14.4%, together capturing 49.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports organic solvents and paint removers to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's import volume of organic solvents and paint removers increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 8 330 tonnes, representing a robust increase of 19.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 28.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 266 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 3.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Germany were the dominant suppliers of organic solvents and paint removers to Portugal, together accounting for 81.2% of total imports in volume terms, while other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's import value of organic solvents and paint removers came to 19 713 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 40.5% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 38.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 14 027 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 3.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms, comprising 83.5% of total flows. Spain led with 56.7%, followed by Germany at 21.8%, and Italy at 5.0%.

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

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