PMMA in primary forms market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2020 to 2022, the Swedish market for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in primary forms expanded significantly, with physical volume growing from 1 181 tons to 2 065 tons and market value rising from 4.3 million US dollars to 8.4 million. This growth was supported by a surge in imports, which reached a peak of 2 537 tons in 2022, while export volumes remained relatively stable.

Domestic production remained at 73 tons in both 2020 and 2021 but fell sharply to 26 tons in 2022. During the same period, the value of imports increased substantially, suggesting changes in global pricing or a shift toward higher-value PMMA products within the import mix.

Import volumes declined to 1 691 tons in 2023 and further to 1 221 tons in 2024, with exports also decreasing. These later-year trade adjustments occurred alongside global industry developments, including Sumitomo Chemical's closure of production lines in Singapore, which tightened international supply, and ongoing volatility in methyl methacrylate monomer prices affecting procurement costs.

Production PMMA in primary forms in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports PMMA in primary forms from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's cross-border shipments of pMMA in primary forms have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 365 tons, marking a 22.2% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 27.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Switzerland were the top contributors to Sweden's exports in kind. Finland accounted for 43.0% of exports, Denmark for 23.7%, and Switzerland for 15.3%. Together, these three countries made up 81.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of PMMA in primary forms from Sweden have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 242 thousand US dollars, showing a significant reduction of 16.0% compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 3 085 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 35.2%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Switzerland remained the principal buyers of PMMA in primary forms from Sweden in value terms. Finland represented 38.2% of exports, Denmark 31.3%, and Switzerland 13.0%. Collectively, they accounted for 82.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports PMMA in primary forms to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of pMMA in primary forms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 474 tons, reflecting an 18.7% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.3%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands dominated Sweden's imports in kind. Germany contributed 37.1% of imports, the United States 34.2%, and the Netherlands 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's imports of pMMA in primary forms have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 6 192 thousand US dollars, down by 27.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.1%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 10.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 345 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 8.5%.

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

In the years 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Sweden's imports of PMMA in primary forms in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.5% of imports, Germany for 32.3%, and the Netherlands for 10.0%. Combined, they made up 78.8% of total import flows.

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

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