Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, Sweden's imports of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters fluctuated significantly, peaking at over 10 000 t in 2021 before declining to 5 601 t by 2024. Exports also varied, dropping to 4 432 t in 2021 then recovering to 6 744 t in 2024. Domestic production, available from 2020 to 2022, fell from 6 144 t to 4 433 t in 2021 then partially rebounded to 5 052 t in 2022.

The market volume expanded sharply in 2021 to 10 756 t, driven by a surge in imports that year. In 2022, the market volume contracted to 9 490 t, but its value rose to 15.8 million USD, influenced by a 28% increase in global import prices that elevated costs across the market.

By 2024, European consumption of these products had grown by 8.2–12%, with production concentrated in Italy, Germany, and Spain. While Sweden's import volumes fell that year, the broader European context of rising demand and net-import status may have affected availability and pricing trends.

Production palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden exported 5 341 tonnes of these products, marking a sharp decline of 26.1% compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 49.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Finland, the United Kingdom, and Germany—together accounted for 81.3% of Sweden's total exports in kind of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters.

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

Sweden's foreign supplies of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 671 thousand US dollars, representing a notable decrease of 15.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 47.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the main destinations for Sweden's exports in value terms. Finland accounted for 43.0% of exports, the United Kingdom for 14.5%, and Germany for 13.6%. Together, these three countries absorbed 71.1% of total exports in value terms of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters from Sweden.

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

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

Imports palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, Sweden's imports of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters declined. In 2020, Sweden imported 6 554 tonnes of these products, showing a controlled decrease of 6.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 38.4%, with an annualized rate of 11.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 973 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 41.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Germany formed the core of Sweden's imports in kind. Malaysia accounted for 67.1% of imports, Indonesia for 11.6%, and Germany for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 87.3% of total import flows.

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

In 2020, Sweden's import volume of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters totaled 8 388 thousand US dollars, indicating a year-on-year gain of 1.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 095 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 22.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia, Italy, and Germany stood out as the main markets for Sweden's imports in value terms. Malaysia accounted for 50.3% of imports, Italy for 18.0%, and Germany for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 80.1% of total import flows.

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

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