PE sacks and bags market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese market for polyethylene sacks and bags showed initial growth, with volume rising from 62 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 74 thousand tonnes in 2019, before declining to 66 thousand tonnes in 2020.

Market volume jumped sharply to 92 thousand tonnes in 2021. That year saw the introduction of a contribution scheme for single-use packaging under Law No. 75-B/2020, implemented via Ordinance No. 331-E/2021, which established detailed fiscal reporting and control measures for plastic packaging, including ethylene polymer sacks and bags. In 2022, regulatory oversight was tightened further with the revocation of Circular No. 35,170 and the issuance of new instructions for the Excise Tax Services governing storage, release for consumption, and export. Simultaneously, the market began shifting towards eco-responsible products, with suppliers like Antalis promoting polypropylene and polyethylene bags designed to meet local environmental standards.

By 2023, the market volume had contracted significantly to 58 thousand tonnes and stabilized at around 57 thousand tonnes in 2024, reflecting an adjustment to the reinforced regulatory environment and evolving consumer preference for sustainable packaging.

Production PE sacks and bags in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In Portugal, the production value of PE sacks and bags reached 157.4 million US dollars in 2021, marking an 11.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 10.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 181.2 million US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 141.9 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 21.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Portugal produced 83 319 tonnes of PE sacks and bags, representing a 25.8% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 66 254 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a decrease of 12.4%.

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

Exports PE sacks and bags from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.8 times. In 2021, deliveries of PE sacks and bags from Portugal amounted to 4 716 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 67.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, at 2.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for exports in kind were Spain, accounting for 52.5% of exports, the United Kingdom with 18.4%, and France at 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 76.9% of total export flows.

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

After a two-year reduction, the value of exported PE sacks and bags from Portugal increased in 2021. Portugal exported 43 166 thousand US dollars worth of PE sacks and bags that year, which is 20.6% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 35 802 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 25.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United Kingdom, and France remained the principal buyers of PE sacks and bags from Portugal in value terms. Spain accounted for 45.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 20.8%, and France for 7.6%. Together, these three markets represented 73.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports PE sacks and bags to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal imported a total of 13 742 tonnes of PE sacks and bags, representing a moderate decline of 9.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 742 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 14 555 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 14.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources for imports in kind were Spain, accounting for 47.8% of imports, Germany with 23.9%, and Vietnam at 9.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.4% of total import flows.

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

Imports of PE sacks and bags into Portugal increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports stood at 39 345 thousand US dollars, constituting a substantial improvement of 14.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 12.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 356 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a drop of 7.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands together accounted for 77.6% of total imports in value terms, remaining the main sources for PE sacks and bags to Portugal. Spain represented 50.7% of imports, Germany 19.2%, and the Netherlands 7.7%.

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

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