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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2020 and 2022, Sweden's production of polypropylene and other olefin polymers increased from 45.9 thousand tonnes to 53.1 thousand tonnes in physical terms, while its value rose from $100.1 million to $141.3 million. Over the same period, the domestic market volume contracted from 233.1 thousand tonnes to 224.1 thousand tonnes, yet its value expanded from $327.6 million to $444.6 million, indicating a pronounced rise in average unit prices or a shift toward more expensive product grades.

Global trends such as increased use of polymers in automotive components and a growing focus on sustainable materials have shaped the market. In 2024, breakthroughs in bio-based polyolefins, like Braskem's renewable feedstock technology, and Clariant's launch of AddWorks PPA for polyolefin film extrusion, underscored the industry's move toward higher-value, environmentally friendly solutions that can support premium pricing.

Sweden's trade flows also evolved, with import volumes declining from 247.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 224.9 thousand tonnes in 2024, while exports grew from 37.2 thousand tonnes to 43.2 thousand tonnes. This suggests a gradual rebalancing toward domestic production and external sales, even as the total physical market size eased.

Production propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

Sweden's exports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 41.0 K t, marking a 7.2% rise compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually declined by 7.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 37.2 K t, with the sharpest drop of 16.6% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Finland were the top buyers of Sweden's polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms, accounting for 22.2%, 21.4%, and 7.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 50.8% of Sweden's total exports in this category.

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, M $ US

Sweden's export value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 82.8 M $ US, a slight decline of 1.6% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 10.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 3.5%. The highest value was in 2018 at 93.6 M $ US, while the largest decline of 10.1% occurred in 2019. In contrast, 2018 saw a modest increase of 1.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Sweden's exports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms in value terms were spread across numerous markets. Germany, Denmark, and Finland were the leading destinations, with shares of 20.8%, 18.1%, and 8.6%, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 47.5% of the 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 propylene and other olefin polymers in primary forms to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 228.2 K t, down 6.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.2%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 247.2 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.4% that year.

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

During 2017–2020, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Belgium were the key sources for Sweden's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms in kind. They held shares of 19.3%, 17.9%, and 17.6%, respectively, collectively making up 54.9% of total imports.

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, M $ US

Sweden's import value of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 310.4 M $ US, a significant drop of 17.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 14.7%, with an average annual rate of 5.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 413.2 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.6% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Saudi Arabia were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Sweden's imports of polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms in value terms. They accounted for 19.5%, 18.0%, and 14.1% of imports, respectively, with a combined share of 51.6% of total flows.

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

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