PC in primary forms market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands' polycarbonates market experienced a significant contraction, with market volume falling from 291 thousand tonnes in 2019 to 182 thousand tonnes in 2021. Domestic production declined from 448 thousand tonnes to 371 thousand tonnes over the same period, while imports increased but could not offset the drop in local output. Exports also decreased, reflecting an overall reduction in industrial activity for this polymer.

The downturn accelerated from 2022 to 2024, with market volume collapsing to just 34 thousand tonnes by 2024. During these years, several global developments influenced the Dutch market. The commissioning of a major 260,000-tonne polycarbonate production complex in China in 2022 increased worldwide capacity, intensifying competitive pressure. Simultaneously, stringent international regulations targeting plastic waste and a broad consumer shift towards sustainable and recycled materials reduced demand for primary polycarbonates. Strategic investments by major players, such as Covestro's capacity expansion in Thailand and RTP Company's manufacturing growth in Poland, indicated a broader movement of production capacity away from Western Europe, contributing to the decline in Dutch output. Global supply chain disruptions and raw material price volatility further strained market conditions.

By 2024, the market's value had fallen to $138 million, down from $712 million in 2019, mirroring the physical decline. The confluence of new Asian production capacity, regulatory pressures on plastics, and the geographical repositioning of industry investments defined the market's trajectory throughout the period.

Production PC in primary forms in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of PC in primary forms in the Netherlands was valued at 1 218 million US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Between 2019 and 2021, production increased by 5.1%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 371.0 thousand tonnes of PC in primary forms, showing only a marginal fluctuation from the previous year. Over the period from 2019 to 2021, production decreased by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports PC in primary forms from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of PC in primary forms from the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 266.1 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate rise of 3.5% from the previous year. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 222.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 17.0% occurring that year. The largest increase was in 2020, at 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the country breakdown of exports in kind was scattered. Germany accounted for 15.4% of exports in kind, China for 13.9%, and Italy for 8.7%, with these three partners together representing just 38.0% of total flows, and no single country stood out as clearly dominant.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of PC in primary forms exported from the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volume totaled 820.8 million US dollars, showing an uptick of 29.5% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 607.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 27.0% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms of PC in primary forms from the Netherlands were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany accounted for 17.0% of exports in value terms, China for 15.6%, and Italy for 7.7%, with these three together representing only 40.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports PC in primary forms to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands' import volume of PC in primary forms amounted to 77.5 thousand tonnes, indicating a sharp increase of 26.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 42.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for imports in kind of PC in primary forms to the Netherlands were Germany, accounting for 42.7% of imports in kind, Spain at 20.6%, and Belgium at 15.2%. These three countries jointly accounted for 78.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 202.6 million US dollars of PC in primary forms, corresponding to a sharp increase of 42.4% compared with 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 34.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 142.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 11.6% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the United States, and Spain continued to be the main suppliers of PC in primary forms to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 36.0% of imports in value terms, the United States for 16.2%, and Spain for 16.0%, with these three jointly forming 68.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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