Plastic bottles and similar articles market in Latvia

Earlier Report Observations

Starting in 2018, the Latvian market for plastic bottles and similar articles began experiencing sequential regulatory changes. An April 2018 ban on the sale of alcohol in large plastic bottles directly affected demand for certain packaging types. The following year, Latvia adopted EU Directive 2019/904, establishing an extended producer responsibility system for plastic packaging and mandatory separate collection. By 2020, half of plastic products had been adapted to the new standards, though limited alternative materials posed challenges for manufacturers.

Key norms regarding single-use plastic items came into force in July 2021, altering production and trade patterns. This coincided with a rise in production volume to 15 523 thousand USD in 2022. However, by 2023 the emphasis shifted toward using recycled polymers, which were more expensive and of lower quality than virgin materials, beginning to impact production costs. Import shipments, which peaked in 2022, contracted in 2023, reflecting the supply chain's adaptation to the new requirements.

In 2024, the introduction of automation in logistics operations improved the efficiency of plastic packaging distribution, but the overall market size declined to 22 877 thousand USD, partly linked to ongoing pressure from environmental regulations. By 2025, new requirements were set, including a mandatory 25% recycled plastic content in PET bottles, further tightening conditions for producers and influencing packaging design.

Production plastic bottles and similar articles in Latvia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

Exports plastic bottles and similar articles from Latvia

Exports in kind, t

Latvia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles have grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, shipments reached 1 901 tonnes, representing a 33.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 18.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 415 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 11.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands remained the top buyers of plastic bottles and similar articles from Latvia. Lithuania accounted for 42.8% of exports in kind, Estonia for 16.5%, and the Netherlands for 12.9%. Together, these three countries represented 72.2% of Latvia's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Latvia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export value stood at 7 333 thousand US dollars, showing a significant rise of 35.7% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 59.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Estonia were the leading markets for Latvia's exports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Lithuania held a 35.5% share, the Netherlands 14.2%, and Estonia 12.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 62.3% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports plastic bottles and similar articles to Latvia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Latvia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles have rebounded. In 2021, imports totaled 5 999 tonnes, marking a 3.5% year-over-year increase. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 26%, with an average annual decline of 9.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 798 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 at 25.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania was the dominant supplier for Latvia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in kind, accounting for 74.3% of total flows. Other markets played a relatively minor role in comparison.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Latvia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms have grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 17 731 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid 20.0% increase compared to 2020. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 14 571 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 17.6%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Lithuania, Poland, and China were the main sources for Latvia's imports of plastic bottles and similar articles in value terms. Lithuania accounted for 53.2% of imports, Poland for 13.6%, and China for 5.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 72.4% of the total import value.

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

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