Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware into Belgium increased in volume, rising from 30 453 t in 2018 to 37 084 t in 2020 before easing to 36 156 t in 2021. This growth was supported by strong market activity in Belgium and Europe, as indicated by rapid production growth in the sector during 2018. Exports declined over the same period, falling from 32 675 t in 2018 to 18 714 t in 2020, then partially recovering to 20 221 t in 2021.

The market landscape changed significantly from 2022 onward. In November 2022, the Belgian government notified the EU of a draft Royal Decree to restrict single-use plastic products, effective from January 2024. Subsequently, from January 2023, a ban on various single-use plastic items, including tableware, was implemented under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. This led to a sharp contraction in market volume, which fell from 38 070 t in 2022 to 21 110 t in 2023. Production followed a similar pattern, dropping from 13 602 t to 13 054 t over the same period. In 2024, market volume stabilized at 22 595 t and production recovered to 13 751 t, as a growing consumer trend toward reusable and sustainable products partly offset regulatory constraints. Meanwhile, market value continued to rise, reaching 107.1 million USD in 2024, driven by this shift toward higher-value alternatives.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Belgium

According to Faostat, there is no production of plastic tableware and kitchenware in Belgium.

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of plastic tableware and kitchenware declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, the country exported 30,194 tons, but this dropped to 18,714 tons in 2020, marking a 38.0% decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 39.1%, with an average annual decline of 15.2%. The peak was in 2018 at 32,675 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany were Belgium's top buyers of plastic tableware and kitchenware by volume, accounting for 15.6%, 14.1%, and 12.4% of exports, respectively. However, their combined share was just 42.1%, indicating a diversified export market with many other countries involved.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Belgium's export value for plastic tableware and kitchenware also fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, it totaled 120.8 million US dollars, down 30.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 32.9%, with an average annual drop of 12.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 204.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual rise of 13.6%.

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

In value terms, Belgium's export partners from 2017 to 2020 showed a balanced distribution rather than concentration. France contributed 15.1% of export value, the Netherlands 12.5%, and Germany 11.1%, together making up 38.7% of total flows. The remaining 61.3% came from numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports plastic tableware and kitchenware to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of plastic tableware and kitchenware increased for the third straight year. In 2020, imports reached 37,084 tons, up 18.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 32.8%, with an average annual increase of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, China, and France were the main sources of Belgium's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 33.3%, China for 14.9%, and France for 13.6%, together representing 61.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Belgium's import value for plastic tableware and kitchenware declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 130.3 million US dollars, a 5.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 6.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The peak was in 2018 at 138.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, China, and France dominated Belgium's import value for plastic tableware and kitchenware. The Netherlands held 34.1%, China 20.1%, and France 12.3%, collectively accounting for 66.6% of total import flows.

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

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