Plastic tableware and kitchenware market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume for plastic tableware and kitchenware in Spain grew from 84 666 t to 92 404 t, driven by rising demand for disposable items due to busy lifestyles and convenience, as well as increased tourism and hospitality sector activity. This expansion was further supported by greater import availability, particularly of low-cost products from China, which broadened market supply. However, in 2020, the market contracted sharply to 68 683 t as COVID-19 lockdowns and restaurant closures reduced overall commercial demand, despite a temporary surge in single-use tableware for takeaway and delivery services.

Post-pandemic recovery saw the market reach 83 286 t by 2023. This rebound was underpinned by stringent EU and Spanish regulations phasing out single-use plastics, which accelerated the shift toward biodegradable alternatives. Investments in research and development improved the functionality and appeal of these sustainable products, while growing consumer environmental awareness sustained demand. However, global supply chain disruptions and raw material price fluctuations in 2022-2023 affected production costs and product availability.

In 2024, the market volume declined to 70 709 t, reflecting the continued impact of regulatory limits on single-use plastics and a sustained consumer preference for sustainable materials. The expansion of retail infrastructure and e-commerce facilitated access to biodegradable tableware, but persistent health concerns related to traditional plastics also influenced market dynamics.

Production plastic tableware and kitchenware in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Plastic tableware and kitchenware production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 167.7 million US dollars, marking a 26.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 256.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Plastic tableware and kitchenware production in Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 52,154 tonnes, representing a significant reduction of 25.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 16.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.7%. The peak was in 2018 with 76,676 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.3%.

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

Exports plastic tableware and kitchenware from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's plastic tableware and kitchenware exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 21,904 tonnes, a decrease of 9.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 57%, with an annualized rate of -24.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and Italy were the key partners for Spain's exports in kind. Portugal accounted for 34.1% of exports, France for 17.6%, and Italy for 11.7%, together making up 63.4% of total flows.

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

Plastic tableware and kitchenware exports from Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 106.6 million US dollars, a modest drop of 7.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy continued to be the main buyers of plastic tableware and kitchenware from Spain in value terms. France represented 23.2% of exports, Portugal 21.6%, and Italy 14.7%, jointly forming 59.6% of total exports.

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 tableware and kitchenware to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's plastic tableware and kitchenware imports reached 38,433 tonnes, a solid fall of 17.4% versus 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 36,102 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 46,542 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 28.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, China, and France formed the core of Spain's imports in kind. Italy accounted for 23.8% of imports, China for 22.4%, and France for 11.2%, together taking 57.3% of total 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

Plastic tableware and kitchenware imports into Spain declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported a total of 157.5 million US dollars, constituting a decrease of 10.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Portugal remained the leading sources in Spain's import structure in value terms. China accounted for 29.5% of imports, Italy for 14.8%, and Portugal for 10.8%, with a combined share of 55.0% of total flows.

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

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