Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in Portugal increased from 34 081 t in 2018 to 41 205 t in 2020, a growth supported by rising environmental awareness among consumers who showed preference for items made from recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. The trend of cooking more at home and the expansion of e‑commerce as a key sales channel further stimulated demand, particularly during the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020 when people spent more time in their households.

In 2021, the market volume dropped to 29 591 t while its value fell to 84.3 million US dollars. During this year, manufacturers increasingly adopted sustainable materials and innovative designs in response to regulatory pressure and consumer demand, even as overall consumption contracted.

From 2022 onward, the market landscape was shaped by European and national bans on single‑use plastic items, including cutlery and expanded polystyrene plates, which took effect in 2025. Growth in the restaurant sector, higher online‑shopping frequency, and a continued focus on sustainability defined the competitive environment, with new suppliers entering and strategic partnerships among companies strengthening.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output was valued at 117.7 million US dollars, marking a significant drop of 18.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 22.1%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 8.0%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 154.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 2.3% also recorded that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following two years of growth, Portugal's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles saw a decline. In 2021, the country produced 32,129 tonnes, which is 30.7% lower than the year before. From 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The highest volume was in 2020 at 46,337 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 14.4%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 22,486 tonnes, showing a slight improvement of 3.0% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 13.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 21,471 tonnes, with the largest drop of 17.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Belgium, and Germany were the main markets for Portugal's exports in kind. Spain accounted for 27.6% of exports, Belgium for 17.4%, and Germany for 15.5%. Together, these three countries represented 60.5% 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

Portugal's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 149.6 million US dollars, reflecting a modest increase of 6.1% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 135.8 million US dollars, and the largest decline of 19.1% was also recorded that year.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Belgium, Spain, and Germany remained the key destinations for Portugal's exports in value terms. Belgium made up 22.2% of exports, Spain 19.6%, and Germany 15.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 57.1% of total export flows.

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, kitchenware and household articles to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Portugal's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in kind increased. In 2021, import volume reached 19,949 tonnes, up by 19.4% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 19.2%, which corresponds to an annualized decrease of 6.9%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 16,706 tonnes, while the largest drop of 20.0% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and China were the primary sources for Portugal's imports in kind. Spain contributed 49.4% of imports, France 8.5%, and China 7.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.5% 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

Following a two-year contraction, Portugal's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles in value terms rebounded. In 2021, imports stood at 116.1 million US dollars, showing a strong uptick of 21.3% over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 9.0%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 95.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 16.7% taking place in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain, Belgium, and France were the key partners for Portugal's imports in value terms. Spain represented 43.6% of imports, Belgium 11.8%, and France 9.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 65.1% 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