POM in primary forms market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Portuguese market for polyacetals (POM) in primary forms contracted in volume from 4 291 tons to 3 317 tons, while its value decreased from 12.4 million USD to 10.5 million USD. This decline was driven primarily by falling imports, which dropped from 4 571 tons to 3 487 tons over the period. Domestic production remained minimal, though it increased from 8 tons to 49 tons, and exports fluctuated without offsetting the import reduction.

The market landscape faced new pressures in 2025. Important European Union regulations such as the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) were updated, imposing stricter rules on chemical substances and plastics. Furthermore, the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in February 2025 set new requirements for waste reduction and sanctions for non-compliance, directly affecting plastic packaging. Geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, along with shifts in U.S. trade policy, contributed to raw material price increases and supply chain disruptions, creating additional challenges for the Portuguese plastics industry.

Production POM in primary forms in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Production of POM in primary forms in Portugal has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 127.5 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.5% year-over-year rise. Between 2018 and 2020, production surged by 336.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 63.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Production of POM in primary forms in Portugal has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Portugal produced 43 020 kg of POM in primary forms, reflecting a robust 14.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 425.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 73.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports POM in primary forms from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From 2018 to 2021, exports experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.4 times. In 2021, shipments of POM in primary forms from Portugal abroad reached 690 tonnes, representing a 110.8% year-over-year gain. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 8.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland were the largest buyers of POM in primary forms from Portugal in terms of volume. Spain accounted for 44.3% of exports in kind, Germany for 17.5%, and Switzerland for 11.5%. Together, these three countries formed 73.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.9 times. In 2021, cross-border shipments of POM in primary forms from Portugal totaled 1 876 thousand US dollars, which is 159.1% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020, at 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland were the main markets for exports in value terms. Spain accounted for 39.1% of exports in value, Germany for 20.4%, and Switzerland for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 75.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports POM in primary forms to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imports of foreign POM in primary forms into Portugal increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 4 633 tonnes, showing a robust 13.0% gain relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 100 tonnes, with the largest decline also in 2020 at 6.6%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, South Korea, and Spain were the key partners for imports in kind. Germany accounted for 50.5% of imports in kind, South Korea for 13.7%, and Spain for 11.3%. Together, these three countries made up 75.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, imports of POM in primary forms into Portugal from abroad increased. In 2021, import volume reached 13 575 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp 27.6% increase compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 10 639 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 14.2%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Germany, Spain, and South Korea—together absorbed 79.1% of total imports in value terms of POM in primary forms to Portugal.

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

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