Polyester-based paints and varnishes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume of polyester-based paints and varnishes in the Netherlands expanded from 17 388 t in 2018 to 18 781 t in 2020, while its value increased from $64.7 million to $67.5 million over the same period.

From 2021 onward, the market faced sharp rises in raw material prices and logistical disruptions, which increased production and import costs. This cost pressure coincided with a decline in domestic production volume from 10 308 t in 2018 to 6 998 t in 2022. Market volume fell to 15 174 t in 2022, and value dropped to $40.8 million, partly due to dampened demand under high prices. Concurrently, stricter EU VOC regulations and upcoming diisocyanate legislation—mandating training from August 2023—affected manufacturing processes and the use of polyester-based products.

In 2023, market value recovered to $55.5 million despite continued price pressures, as producers passed higher costs to consumers. The shift toward sustainable products, with 82% of professionals using eco-friendly paints, and new packaging rules placing recycling responsibility on manufacturers shaped the market environment. Digitalization of sales channels and the dominance of major players like AkzoNobel and PPG Industries remained defining features.

Production polyester-based paints and varnishes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output of polyester-based paints and varnishes in the Netherlands was valued at 70 519 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 14.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 6 996 tonnes of polyester-based paints and varnishes, marking a 9.1% decrease from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 32.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of decline of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports polyester-based paints and varnishes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 22 502 tonnes of polyester-based paints and varnishes, showing relative stability compared to 2020. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 062 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 3.5%, while the largest increase was seen in 2020 at 2.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, France, and Belgium were the principal buyers of polyester-based paints and varnishes from the Netherlands, accounting for 24.1%, 23.9%, and 16.7% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 64.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, polyester-based paints and varnishes shipments from the Netherlands abroad reached 134.3 million US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 23.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 13.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 108.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.1%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Belgium remained the main markets for exports in value terms of polyester-based paints and varnishes from the Netherlands, with shares of 20.6%, 19.4%, and 17.4%, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 57.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports polyester-based paints and varnishes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

The Netherlands' imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 34 116 tonnes, which represents a slight advance of 1.3% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, France, Belgium, and Germany were the principal sources for imports in kind of polyester-based paints and varnishes to the Netherlands, contributing 37.0%, 17.0%, and 15.8% of imports, respectively. Together, these countries made up 69.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands' imports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totaling approximately 121.5 million US dollars, which is 15.0% higher than the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 98.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and France remained the main markets for imports in value terms of polyester-based paints and varnishes to the Netherlands, with shares of 25.5%, 22.5%, and 17.7%, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 65.7% of total import flows.

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

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