Plastic fittings for tubes and pipes market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian market for plastic tube, pipe and hose fittings experienced significant growth from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 8 219 t to 13 878 t. This expansion was supported by the entry of foreign-owned manufacturers, which increased competition and supply. Concurrently, product innovations like UV-stable adhesive PVC fittings catered to specific needs, while rising consumer preference for environmentally friendly materials, encouraged by EU policies, stimulated demand. Despite indirect pressures from COVID-19 supply chain disruptions in 2020, the emergence of a new market segment focused on e-mobility, highlighted by Continental Hungary's strategic shift, provided fresh momentum for growth.

Market volume contracted to 10 459 t in 2021 despite a growing industry focus on sustainability and CO2 reduction, which guided product development. The Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association reorganized as an independent legal entity to more effectively represent members in upcoming regulatory processes. A recovery to 12 357 t followed in 2022, driven by the impending EU regulation granting priority market access to recycled materials from 2024. This rule directly incentivized the use of recycled feedstocks, prompting manufacturers to adapt their production and stimulating market activity ahead of its implementation.

After the 2022 rebound, the market entered a pronounced downward trend, with volume falling to 10 074 t in 2023 and then sharply to 6 566 t in 2024. The market value followed a similar path, declining to 59.1 million USD in 2024.

Production plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2021, output was valued at 29 101 K $ US, marking a significant drop of 16.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 20.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 35 019 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 36.7% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year upward trend, Hungary's production of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes decreased. In 2021, the country produced 5 731 t, representing a sharp decline of 28.7% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, overall production rose by 13%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The highest output was in 2020 at 8 038 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 32.2%.

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

Exports plastic fittings for tubes and pipes from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5 709 t, reflecting a moderate rise of 7.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 16.4%, with an annualized rate of 5.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 420 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 20.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Germany, and Slovakia were the leading destinations for Hungary's exports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in volume terms. Romania accounted for 28.8% of exports, Germany for 19.4%, and Slovakia for 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 59.1% of total export flows.

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

Hungary's exports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in value terms rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 46.2 M $ US, showing a substantial increase of 29.8% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 21%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 29.5 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 22.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Germany, and Slovakia formed the core markets for Hungary's exports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in value terms. Romania held a 19.4% share, Germany 18.9%, and Slovakia 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 51.0% of total export value.

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 fittings for tubes and pipes to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hungary's imports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in volume terms declined. In 2021, imports were recorded at 10 438 t, down by 6.5% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 29.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 9.0%. The peak volume was in 2020 at 11 167 t, while the largest annual increase of 24.5% occurred in 2019.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany, Poland, and Italy were the main suppliers of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes to Hungary in volume terms. Germany accounted for 37.2% of imports, Poland for 18.1%, and Italy for 12.4%. Together, these three countries made up 67.7% of total import volumes.

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

Hungary's imports of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 102.2 M $ US, indicating a substantial rise of 20.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 84.5 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 14.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Austria remained the principal suppliers of plastic fittings for tubes and pipes to Hungary in value terms. Germany held a dominant share of 51.6%, followed by Poland at 8.1% and Austria at 7.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 67.4% of total import value.

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

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