Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for plastic tableware and kitchenware in Portugal remained relatively stable, edging down slightly from 24 266 tonnes to 23 908 tonnes. During this period, rising disposable income and a growing desire to modernize kitchens supported consumer demand, while strong competition from local producers likely tempered market expansion. Consumer preferences were increasingly shaped by brand loyalty, online reviews, and an interest in items that blended technology with aesthetics.

In 2020, the market volume grew to 25 369 tonnes, driven primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic. Health restrictions led to a surge in home cooking, which boosted demand for kitchenware despite simultaneous production delays, higher transport costs, and raw material shortages. Additionally, regulatory and governmental incentives for sustainability fueled interest in eco-friendly products.

The market contracted sharply in 2021, falling to 11 852 tonnes, a decline largely attributable to a significant drop in domestic production. Concurrently, the expansion of e-commerce made kitchenware more accessible to consumers, and preferences continued to shift toward premium, high-quality items that emphasize functionality and design.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's plastic tableware and kitchenware production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 82.0 million US dollars, marking a 22.6% year-on-year decrease. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 38.7%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 15.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following a two-year increase, Portugal's plastic tableware and kitchenware production volume declined. In 2021, 20 061 tonnes were produced, representing a 41.9% drop compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 31.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with production reaching a peak of 34 500 tonnes, up 14.7% from the previous year.

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

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Plastic tableware and kitchenware export volumes from Portugal have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 17 372 tonnes, a 2.0% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Spain, and Germany were the key export partners for Portugal's plastic tableware and kitchenware in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 21.4% of exports, Spain for 19.1%, and Germany for 18.9%. Together, these three countries represented 59.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Plastic tableware and kitchenware exports from Portugal have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 131.1 million US dollars, a 4.7% uptick compared to 2020. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 121.0 million US dollars, marking a 19.5% decline from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and France remained the principal buyers of plastic tableware and kitchenware from Portugal in value terms. Belgium accounted for 25.0% of exports, Germany for 17.1%, and France for 13.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 55.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports plastic tableware and kitchenware to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imported plastic tableware and kitchenware volumes into Portugal increased. In 2021, imports totaled 9 163 tonnes, a 6.5% advance compared to the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 43.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 17.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 8 601 tonnes, following a 28.0% drop in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, Belgium, and France formed the core of imports in volume terms for plastic tableware and kitchenware into Portugal. Spain accounted for 44.8% of imports, Belgium for 11.6%, and France for 8.8%. Together, these three countries took 65.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, plastic tableware and kitchenware imports into Portugal increased. In 2021, imports totaled 59.7 million US dollars, which is 8.4% greater than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 30.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 55.1 million US dollars, after a 21.3% decline in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Belgium, and France were the key partners for imports in value terms of plastic tableware and kitchenware into Portugal. Spain accounted for 39.0% of imports, Belgium for 19.1%, and France for 9.2%. Jointly, these three countries represented 67.3% of total import flows.

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

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