Phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2022, with its total value increasing from $124.6 million to $275.9 million. This expansion was primarily fueled by a sharp rise in import value, which more than doubled over the period. Domestic production remained relatively modest but also saw a gradual increase in its contribution.

A series of new EU regulatory measures began to impact the market from 2022 onward. The publication of EU Regulation 2023/866, which tightened restrictions on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related substances, required manufacturers and importers to ensure compliance for products containing polyphosphoric acids. This was accompanied by an EU recommendation on enhanced monitoring of PFAS in foods, increasing traceability demands. These developments raised compliance costs and contributed to a market correction, with the total value falling to $219.6 million in 2023.

Regulatory pressure intensified in 2024 with the entry into force of EU Regulation 2024/2865, which reformed the CLP system by introducing new hazard pictograms and labeling deadlines for chemicals including phosphoric acids. Simultaneously, EU Regulation 2024/2619 redefined maximum residue limits for fosetyl/aluminium, forcing adjustments in the fertilizer and food sectors. Updated rules for food additives under EU Regulation 1333/2008 also introduced stricter formulation criteria. This cumulative regulatory burden further constrained market activity, leading to a continued decline in market size to $205.0 million.

Production phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2018, Spain's phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids output reached its peak value at 1,391 thousand US dollars. This was followed by a decline to 1,294 thousand US dollars in 2019, marking a 7.0% decrease. In 2020, production rebounded to 1,377 thousand US dollars, showing a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K kg P2O5

Spain's production volume of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids experienced a two-year decline before increasing in 2020. In 2019, output hit its lowest point at 3,461 thousand kilograms of P2O5, representing an 18.9% drop. The following year, production rose to 4,025 thousand kilograms of P2O5, a substantial 16.3% advance. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 7.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K kg P2O5

Exports phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Spain's exports of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids declined in 2020. In 2019, exports peaked at 7.2 thousand tonnes, following a significant 45.8% increase in 2018. In 2020, exports fell to 6.3 thousand tonnes, a solid 11.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 42.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Portugal, and France were consistently the main destinations for Spain's phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids exports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 42.1% of exports, Portugal for 31.9%, and France for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 84.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, Spain's export value of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids declined in 2020. In 2019, exports reached their highest value at 9.2 million US dollars, after a 46.6% rise in 2018. In 2020, export value dropped to 8.3 million US dollars, down 9.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 54.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Portugal, and France formed the core group of markets for Spain's phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids exports in value terms. Turkey held a 31.1% share, Portugal 29.4%, and France 12.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 72.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's import volume of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. In 2018, imports were at their lowest point at 145.5 thousand tonnes, marking a 9.8% decline. By 2020, imports had risen to 179.7 thousand tonnes, up 13.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco and Israel continued to lead as the primary sources for Spain's phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids imports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 81.8% of total import flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's import value of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. In that year, imports totaled 140.1 million US dollars, up 2.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 22.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Morocco and Israel remained the primary suppliers of phosphoric and polyphosphoric acids to Spain in value terms. Their combined share accounted for 80.7% of total imports, with other countries forming the remainder.

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

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