Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Hungarian market for plastic tableware and kitchenware contracted in physical terms, with market volume falling from 25 371 t to 21 131 t. Domestic production followed a similar downward trend, declining from 26 278 t to 20 303 t over the same period, while the market value showed volatility.

Following this period, import volumes rose sharply, peaking at 39 170 t in 2022. This surge was driven by heightened demand for disposable plastic tableware due to hygiene concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, imports fell to 26 145 t in 2023 as the impending enforcement of the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, which restricts such products and mandates a shift toward sustainable alternatives, began to reshape the market.

In the following years, import levels stabilized around 27 000 t. The full implementation of the EU directive introduced stricter labeling and market access rules. Concurrently, a reported decline in average prices for household plastic products supported demand, while the expansion of the foodservice and delivery sectors continued to underpin consumption of disposable items.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, Hungary's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was valued at 125.8 million US dollars, showing a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 125.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.3% occurring that year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 4.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2020, Hungary produced 20 303 tonnes of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles, marking a modest rise of 6.7% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 022 tonnes, with the largest decline of 27.6% occurring that year. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 22.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.2%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles reached 23 417 tonnes, showing a gradual decrease of 3.8% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 21 488 tonnes, while the maximum value was in 2020 at 24 336 tonnes, with the largest increase of 13.3% occurring in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's export structure for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in kind was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 36.1% of exports in kind, Poland for 6.9%, and Romania for 6.2%, together making up 49.1% of total flows. The remaining 50.9% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Hungary's export volume of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was recorded at 144.8 million US dollars, marking a slight decline of 0.8% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 126.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 9.9% occurring that year. The maximum value was in 2020 at 146.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 15.8% in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's partner portfolio for exports in value terms of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles was quite broad. Germany accounted for 30.8% of exports in value terms, France for 6.8%, and the United States for 6.7%, together representing 44.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of foreign plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary imported 35 118 tonnes, up by 39.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 66.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Slovakia remained the principal suppliers of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to Hungary in kind. Poland accounted for 32.9% of imports in kind, Germany for 13.9%, and Slovakia for 9.6%, jointly accounting for 56.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's import volume of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary imported a total of 0 million US dollars, corresponding to a dramatic rise of 52.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 65.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.3%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and Slovakia together absorbed 53.0% of total imports in value terms of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles to Hungary, making them the main directions. Poland accounted for 29.3% of imports in value terms, Germany for 15.2%, and Slovakia for 8.6%.

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

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