Plastic bottles and similar articles market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic bottles and similar articles in Hungary demonstrated stability from 2018 to 2020, with market size ranging between 200.7 and 207.0 million US dollars. The country's position as a leading plastic manufacturing nation, supported by major producers of raw materials like LDPE and PP granules, underpinned domestic output. After a slight contraction in 2019, the market recovered in 2020 as consumer preferences shifted toward sustainable solutions like biopolymers and recycled materials, and as industry innovators such as BorsodChem developed new technologies to reduce environmental impact.

From 2021 to 2025, import values generally rose, peaking at 104.7 million US dollars in 2025, while exports trended downward after 2021. The introduction of EU regulations in January 2025, requiring plastic bottles to contain at least 25% recycled material, drove changes in the market. This rule increased demand for recycled plastics, likely contributing to higher imports, and prompted investments in processing technologies. Changes in bottle design, including attached caps and darker shades from recycled content, along with evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging, further influenced market dynamics.

Production plastic bottles and similar articles in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, Hungary's output of plastic bottles and similar articles reached its lowest point at 230.5 million US dollars, declining by 4.6% year-on-year. By 2020, production had rebounded to 242.6 million US dollars, marking a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year.

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

Exports plastic bottles and similar articles from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Hungary's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles hit their lowest volume at 39,950 tonnes, dropping by 5.5% from the previous year. The following year saw a recovery, with exports rising 5.4% to reach 42,100 tonnes in 2020. However, by 2021, exports had decreased to 41,359 tonnes, down 1.8% from 2020. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 2.2%, averaging an annual decline of 0.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine were the primary destinations for Hungary's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles by volume. Romania accounted for 31.1% of exports, Poland for 20.4%, and Ukraine for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 67.5% of Hungary's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2019, Hungary's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms reached their lowest point at 93.4 million US dollars, declining by 11.6% from the previous year. The trend reversed in 2020 and continued into 2021, with exports rising for two consecutive years. By 2021, exports had grown to 114.0 million US dollars, up 21.4% year-on-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 7.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine were the key markets for Hungary's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Together, these three countries absorbed 53.0% of Hungary's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports plastic bottles and similar articles to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Hungary's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles by volume reached their lowest point at 20,543 tonnes, falling by 12.5% from the previous year. After two years of decline, imports rebounded in 2021, increasing by 15.2% to 23,660 tonnes. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 8.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Czechia, Germany, and Italy were the main sources of Hungary's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles by volume. Czechia accounted for 25.9% of imports, Germany for 17.5%, and Italy for 9.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 52.9% of Hungary's total import flows in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Hungary's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms hit their lowest point at 58.3 million US dollars, declining by 8.4% from the previous year. After two years of decrease, imports recovered in 2021, rising by 35.7% to 79.1 million US dollars. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 14.1%, with an average annual increase of 4.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, no single market dominated Hungary's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Germany accounted for 16.4% of imports, Czechia for 15.1%, and Italy for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.3% of total import value, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

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