PE sacks and bags market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The Estonian market for PE sacks and bags saw moderate growth in physical volume from 2018 to 2020, with market size reaching 23 926 t by 2020. This period was supported by increased demand for plastic packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted take-out and delivery services across the EU, including Estonia.

In 2021, market volume in tonnage dropped sharply to 12 501 t, while value surged to $33.4 million, reflecting higher unit prices. Global trade in ethylene polymer bags was strong that year, with EU imports rising by 20%, which influenced Estonia's import and export flows. Domestic production fell significantly, indicating a shift in supply sources.

From 2022 to 2024, market tonnage remained subdued but value continued climbing, peaking at $37.6 million in 2024. Supply chain disruptions and a 4.8% increase in global import prices in 2022 contributed to higher costs. Simultaneously, the EU's Green Deal, mandating recyclable plastic packaging by 2030, began shaping industry practices toward sustainable materials and recycling technologies in Estonia.

Production PE sacks and bags in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of polyethylene sacks and bags has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 25 148 thousand US dollars, marking a solid year-on-year increase of 16.2%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of growth, Estonia's production of polyethylene sacks and bags declined. In 2021, output totaled 7 938 tonnes, representing a steep drop of 59.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 53.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.7%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 19 428 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 10.7%.

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

Exports PE sacks and bags from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's exports of polyethylene sacks and bags have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 6 227 tonnes, showing a strong rise of 12.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 14.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 211 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the principal destinations for Estonia's exports of polyethylene sacks and bags in volume terms were Lithuania, accounting for 28.8% of exports, Sweden with 22.4%, and Norway at 17.1%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's exports of polyethylene sacks and bags have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, export value reached 16 151 thousand US dollars, up by 25.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 17.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 446 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the leading destinations for Estonia's exports of polyethylene sacks and bags in value terms were Lithuania, with a 23.6% share, Sweden at 20.6%, and Latvia with 15.0%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 59.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports PE sacks and bags to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia's imports of polyethylene sacks and bags totaled 10 790 tonnes, which is 7.5% higher than in 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 23%, with an annualized growth rate of 7.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 19.5%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 4.2%.

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

During the period from 2018 to 2021, the largest sources of Estonia's imports of polyethylene sacks and bags in volume terms were Vietnam, with a 29.4% share, Latvia at 19.1%, and Lithuania with 18.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 67.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Estonia's imports of polyethylene sacks and bags increased. In 2021, import value amounted to 24 370 thousand US dollars, which is 30.9% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 17.9%, with an annualized rate of 5.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 617 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Estonia's imports of polyethylene sacks and bags in value terms were Vietnam, Lithuania, and Latvia. Together, they accounted for 51.8% of total import flows.

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

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