Polymers of propylene or of other olefins in primary forms market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for propylene and olefin polymers in primary forms remained stable at around 835 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019. The country's substantial domestic production capacity from three major cracking facilities enabled significant exports, while in 2019, Borealis supported value-chain partners in substituting conventional polystyrene polymers with polypropylene alternatives for sustainable foam and rigid packaging, fostering innovation. In 2020, market volume dropped sharply to 711 thousand tons.

A recovery to 794 thousand tons occurred in 2021, driven by an agreement between Lyondellbasell and Neste to source renewable feedstocks for polypropylene production under the Circulenrew brand, promoting sustainable polymer manufacturing. However, the market contracted again to 750 thousand tons in 2022 as new circular economy regulations, including the Waste Law 7/2022 and Royal Decree 1055/2022 on extended producer responsibility for packaging, came into force, altering market conditions.

The downward trend continued, with market volume falling to 691 thousand tons by 2024, influenced by stricter food-contact material regulations such as EU Regulation 2024/3190 that restricted the use of BPA and its derivatives, affecting polymer production and labeling requirements.

Production propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 078 million US dollars, representing a 17.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 454 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Spain's production of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms decreased. In 2020, the country produced 967.6 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate 3.2% decline from 2019. The peak was reached in 2019 with 999.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.9%.

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

Exports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain exported 721.5 thousand tonnes of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms, a 4.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 8.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 723.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 4.6% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Italy remained the primary destinations for Spain's exports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. France and Portugal each accounted for 17.5% of exports in kind, while Italy represented 15.7%. Together, these three countries formed 50.8% of total exports in kind.

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 export value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 877 million US dollars, reflecting a controlled reduction of 9.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 132 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 18.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.3% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Spain's export value for polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. France and Portugal each accounted for 17.7% of exports in value terms, while Italy represented 14.3%. Together, these three countries made up 49.7% of total exports, with the remaining 50.3% distributed among numerous smaller partners, each holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's import volume of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 465.0 thousand tonnes, equivalent to a robust 11.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 9.6%, translating to an annualized rate of -3.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 561.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's imports in kind of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms were spread across a broad range of markets. France accounted for 21.9% of imports in kind, Belgium for 14.6%, and Germany for 12.2%. Together, these three countries formed 48.7% of total import 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 import value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 672 million US dollars, down by 19.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 16.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 917 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner landscape for Spain's imports in value terms was diverse. France accounted for 19.7% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 15.2%, and Germany for 14.9%. Together, these three countries formed 49.8% of total flows, while the remaining 50.2% came from many other countries.

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

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