Peat articles market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The peat articles market in Ireland experienced substantial growth in value from 2020 onward, rising from USD 8.7 million to USD 23.3 million by 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by anticipated regulatory changes in the United Kingdom, where the government announced plans to ban horticultural peat sales. The 2022 decision to legislate a ban for amateur gardeners by 2024 and its confirmation in 2023 prompted increased purchasing activity ahead of the restrictions, boosting both production and market value in Ireland.

In 2024, the market size moderated slightly to USD 22.4 million as the UK's ban on bagged peat compost for amateur gardeners took effect. The Irish market continued to be influenced by the significant presence of state-owned company Bord na Mona, a major player in the sector, and by growing consumer awareness of sustainable peat alternatives. Technological advancements in peatland management also supported production efficiencies during this period of regulatory transition.

Production peat articles in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Ireland's production of peat articles declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 343.6 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen to 146.0 thousand tons, representing a 57.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 49.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 20.6%. The largest increase during this timeframe occurred in 2018, with a rise of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports peat articles from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

Exports of peat articles from Ireland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports grew by 39.8%, reaching 18 tons in 2020, which is an 8.2% increase from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 tons, marking a significant decline of 39.1% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Ireland's peat article exports in kind were Asia, not elsewhere specified, accounting for 39.4% of exports; Australia, with 19.4%; and Singapore, at 14.9%. Together, these three markets represented 73.7% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Ireland's exports of peat articles in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 117.8 thousand US dollars, up 10.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 188.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 42.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the primary markets for Ireland's peat article exports in value terms were Asia, not elsewhere specified, which accounted for 49.0% of exports; Egypt, with 15.0%; and the United States, at 11.1%. Collectively, these three markets made up 75.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports peat articles to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

The import market for peat articles in Ireland showed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 47 tons, declining by 47.8% that year. By 2020, imports surged to 1 004 tons, a 2,044.4% increase from 2019. This resulted in a 21-fold variation between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the key source for peat article imports to Ireland, accounting for 74.4% of total imports in kind. Other destinations played a much smaller role in the import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Ireland's imports of peat articles in value terms exhibited volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, imports were at their lowest point, but by 2020 they had risen to 341.9 thousand US dollars, a 1,075.9% increase from 2019. This represented a 12.4-fold change from the trough in 2017 to the peak in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the import structure in value terms was dominated by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which together accounted for 83.8% of total flows. Other markets contributed minimally, forming a long tail in the import profile.

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

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