Plastic sacks and bags market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for plastic sacks and bags in Spain increased from 510.5 thousand t in 2018 to 585.2 thousand t in 2022, a 15% rise over the period. Growth was uneven, with a peak in 2019 followed by a slight dip in 2020 and stronger increases in 2021 and 2022. In value terms, the market fluctuated, dipping in 2019 but then surging by 32% in 2021 to 1 713 million USD, reaching 1 810 million USD in 2022.

Trade data for 2023 and 2024 show a sharp rise in imports to 149.2 thousand t in 2024, after a decline to 85.0 thousand t in 2023. This import surge aligns with several market factors, including the growth of e-commerce in Spain, which boosted demand for plastic bags for packaging, and tighter EU and Spanish restrictions on single-use plastics, accelerating the shift toward biodegradable and compostable sacks. Global innovations in biodegradable plastics have also increased production capacity and reduced costs, making such alternatives more accessible for retail and industrial use.

Production plastic sacks and bags in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's production of plastic sacks and bags was valued at 1 291 million US dollars, marking an 11.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's production volume of plastic sacks and bags increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 497.4 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 474.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 4.6%.

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

Exports plastic sacks and bags from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain's export volume of plastic sacks and bags grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 84.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a measured advance of 9.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 11.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's exports of plastic sacks and bags in kind were distributed across a wide range of countries. France accounted for 19.2% of exports, Portugal for 18.5%, and the United Kingdom for 6.2%. Together, these three partners represented just 43.9% of total export flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

In 2020, Spain exported plastic sacks and bags worth 326.4 million US dollars, representing a strong 16.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 23.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports of plastic sacks and bags in value terms were spread across numerous markets. France held a 19.7% share, Portugal 16.5%, and Italy 9.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for only 45.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plastic sacks and bags to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's imports of plastic sacks and bags in kind totaled 115.3 thousand tonnes, which was 4.2% lower than the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 112.4 thousand tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2019 at 120.4 thousand tonnes. The largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 7.1%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Spain's imports of plastic sacks and bags in kind were not heavily concentrated. Portugal accounted for 17.5% of imports, Italy for 14.7%, and France for 14.7%. Together, these three suppliers captured only 46.8% of total import flows.

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 imports of plastic sacks and bags in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 326.4 million US dollars, representing a controlled drop of 4.1% over the past year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, France, and Portugal continued to lead as the top suppliers of plastic sacks and bags to Spain in value terms. Italy accounted for 24.9% of imports, France for 14.3%, and Portugal for 11.8%. Together, these three countries jointly took 51.0% of total import value.

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

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