Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in Croatia showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2024. After a stable 2019 at $47.8 million, market size fell sharply to $40.1 million in 2020, then rebounded by 39% to $55.8 million in 2021. A subsequent drop to $47.4 million occurred in 2022, followed by recovery to $54.0 million in 2023 and a further rise to $56.4 million in 2024.

From 2022, regulatory enforcement by the State Inspectorate of the Republic of Croatia strengthened market standards, requiring clear labeling for food contact safety and resistance to microwave ovens and dishwashers. This reinforced consumer demand for hygienic, durable plastic containers certified for such use, shaping purchasing preferences toward functionality and verified safety.

The market's later growth was supported by the entry of new appliance brands; in 2024, Hisense expanded its range of household appliances in Croatia, including dishwashers and hobs, which stimulated demand for compatible plastic kitchenware. Consumer preferences continued to favor products with explicit safety and functionality markings, sustaining market expansion through the end of the period.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was valued at 9 559 thousand US dollars, marking a significant decline of 25.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 25.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Croatia's production volume of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 431 tonnes, reflecting a sharp drop of 42.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 47.4%, equating to an annualized decrease of 19.3%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 4 322 tonnes, corresponding to an 11.5% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 35.3%, with an annualized rate of 13.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Croatia's exports in volume terms was characterized by Italy's dominance, which accounted for 70.6% of total flows, alongside numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value was recorded at 12 252 thousand US dollars, down by 4.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 23%, representing an annualized rate of 8.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Slovenia, and Germany remained the primary buyers of Croatia's plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms. Italy accounted for 44.5% of exports, Slovenia for 11.9%, and Germany for 9.7%, collectively making up 66.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles amounted to 9 949 tonnes, showing a sudden fall of 47.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 008 tonnes, following the largest increase of 60.6% that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Italy led as the top suppliers of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to Croatia in volume terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 31.4% of imports, Poland for 23.2%, and Italy for 11.1%, with their combined share reaching 65.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 42 822 thousand US dollars, representing a solid decrease of 10.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 13.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 50 168 thousand US dollars, following the largest increase of 1.7% that year.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Croatia's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 15.6% of imports, Italy for 14.4%, and Germany for 13.1%, together capturing only 43.1% of total flows.

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

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