Organic solvents and paint removers market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Swedish market for organic solvents and paint removers underwent a significant transformation: its physical volume fell from 9 133 tons in 2019 to 6 674 tons in 2021, while its value rose from 13.5 million USD to 14.4 million USD. This shift was primarily driven by tightening environmental and workplace regulations. The implementation of the EU VOC directive and Swedish rules restricting the use of organic solvents in poorly ventilated spaces prompted a transition towards more expensive water-based alternatives, reshaping both production and consumption patterns.

Regulatory pressure continued to intensify. In 2021, new REACH restrictions on certain chemicals in paints came into force, compelling further product reformulation. This coincided with growing consumer and professional awareness of environmental and health risks, boosting demand for premium, eco-friendly products. Consequently, even as production volume in tons dropped from 9 237 to 7 329 between 2019 and 2021, the value of manufactured output increased from 16.1 million USD to 17.9 million USD, highlighting the market's move towards higher-value formulations.

The trend towards stricter regulation and sustainability persisted in the following years. In 2022, Sweden introduced extended producer responsibility for packaging, affecting the logistics and packaging design for these products. Preparations for new CLP labeling requirements effective in 2024 and a sustained market focus on green solutions continued to support the transition to more specialized and costly compositions, which was reflected in the evolving structure of imports and exports through 2024.

Production organic solvents and paint removers in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Sweden's output of organic solvents and paint removers was valued at 17 791 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial gain of 10.4% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Sweden produced 8 705 tonnes of organic solvents and paint removers, representing a modest decline of 5.8% year-over-year.

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

Exports organic solvents and paint removers from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Organic solvents and paint removers exports from Sweden increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden exported 5 193 tonnes, which is 3.0% greater than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 028 tonnes, with the largest decline of 8.5% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland were the main destinations for Sweden's exports of organic solvents and paint removers in kind. Norway accounted for 22.6% of exports, Denmark for 17.7%, and Finland for 15.2%, with their combined share reaching 55.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Organic solvents and paint removers exports from Sweden increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden exported 16 271 thousand US dollars' worth, which is 4.5% more year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Finland led the structure of Sweden's exports in value terms. Norway accounted for 25.5% of exports, Denmark for 17.3%, and Finland for 12.8%, together representing 55.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports organic solvents and paint removers to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden's imports of organic solvents and paint removers amounted to 4 732 tonnes, reflecting a moderate reduction of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.9%. The largest decline of 14.4% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 1.5% occurred in 2019.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the top suppliers of organic solvents and paint removers to Sweden in kind. Germany accounted for 40.6% of imports, Belgium for 23.2%, and the Netherlands for 10.2%, with their combined share reaching 74.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's imports of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 12 790 thousand US dollars, marking a slight drop of 1.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 40.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 15.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the United States remained the main markets for Sweden's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.4% of imports, Belgium for 18.0%, and the United States for 12.5%, jointly taking 64.9% of total flows.

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

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