Plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish plastic tableware and household articles market opened the period at 137 thousand tons in 2018, a year when the sector was still feeling the aftereffects of earlier Chinese competition that had reshaped local manufacturing. Volume then climbed to 154 thousand tons in 2019, driven by population growth and rising household demand for tableware. However, in 2020 consumption fell sharply to 127 thousand tons, reflecting broader disruptions, before rebounding to 137 thousand tons in 2021 as consumer environmental awareness increased demand for biodegradable alternatives.

Regulatory changes became a dominant force from 2022 onward. The EU and Spanish ban on single-use plastics affected production and imports, helping to stabilize physical volume at 136 thousand tons that year. Simultaneously, volatility in raw material and energy prices raised costs, contributing to a jump in market value to $621 million in 2022. The expansion of e-commerce made sustainable products more accessible, supporting market activity.

Innovation and shifting preferences continued to shape the market. In 2023, the launch of BPA-free tableware and growing demand for renewably sourced materials like bamboo and recycled glass helped lift volume to 148 thousand tons. By 2024, volume eased slightly to 143 thousand tons, even as the sustainability trend and digital sales channels remained strong, with online kitchenware sales rising by 25%.

Production plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 399.5 million US dollars, representing an 8.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 448.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After a two-year increase, Spain's production of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined. In 2020, 111.0 thousand tonnes were produced, down by 12.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 14.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 127.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 22.9%.

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

Exports plastic tableware, kitchenware and household articles from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year reduction, Spain's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles increased. In 2020, exports reached 55 367 tonnes, up by 3.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 25.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 53 493 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 27.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, France, and Italy were the principal destinations for Spain's exports in kind. Portugal accounted for 25.4% of exports, France for 20.4%, and Italy for 13.7%, together comprising 59.4% 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

Spain's exports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 270.2 million US dollars, marking a 4.0% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 14%, with an annualized rate of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy accounted for the largest share of Spain's exports in value terms. France represented 25.5% of exports, Portugal 18.8%, and Italy 14.2%, together making up 58.5% of total flows.

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, kitchenware and household articles to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles totaled 71 532 tonnes, indicating a 10.6% year-over-year contraction. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 71 103 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 79 997 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 12.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and France formed the core group of markets for Spain's imports in kind. China accounted for 27.6% of imports, Italy for 22.7%, and France for 8.2%, together representing 58.5% 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

Spain's imports of plastic tableware, kitchenware, and household articles declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 306.4 million US dollars, marking a 2.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Portugal led the structure of Spain's imports in value terms. China accounted for 31.4% of imports, Italy for 15.7%, and Portugal for 8.7%, together comprising 55.8% 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