Prepared explosives market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish prepared explosives market showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2022. In physical terms, market volume peaked at 63 251 metric tons in 2021 after a decline in 2020, while in value it reached $64.4 million that same year, indicating a period of recovery followed by renewed pressure.

A clear upturn took place in 2023, with production increasing to 59 101 t and market volume rising to 55 677 t. This growth was primarily driven by MAXAM Corp's expansion of its production facilities in Spain, which directly boosted output capacity for high-performance explosives. Concurrently, the market saw the introduction of innovative, low-toxicity explosive materials and eco-friendly alternatives, reflecting a broader industry shift toward sustainable technologies.

In 2024, the market contracted sharply to 38 188 t in volume and $43.5 million in value. This decline coincided with the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, which raised compliance standards and likely temporarily constrained production and demand. Despite the downturn, companies like Dyno Nobel continued to launch next-generation products, such as bulk emulsion explosives with reduced NOx emissions, pointing to ongoing innovation within a tightening regulatory framework.

Production prepared explosives in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of prepared explosives has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 56 076 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 18.9% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 23.2%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 82 991 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Spain's production of prepared explosives has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 50 941 tonnes, reflecting a 15.9% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 14.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 4.9%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 62 387 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.2%.

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

Exports prepared explosives from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of prepared explosives have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 703 tonnes, showing a sharp 65.8% year-over-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 70.6%, with an average annual decline of 33.5%.

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

The structure of Spain's prepared explosives exports from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diversified set of trading partners. Germany accounted for 22.3% of exports in kind, France for 12.1%, and Ethiopia for 11.8%, together making up 46.2% of total flows. The remaining 53.8% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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, K $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's exports of prepared explosives declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 11 052 thousand US dollars, representing a 58.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 45.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 18.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 26 437 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 21.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the largest buyer of prepared explosives from Spain in value terms, accounting for 13.1% of exports, followed by Ghana at 9.7% and France at 7.6%. Together, these three countries contributed 30.4% of total export value, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports prepared explosives to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of prepared explosives declined. In 2020, imports totaled 4 917 tonnes, corresponding to a 15.1% year-over-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 32.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 790 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 34.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Portugal, France, and Germany—together absorbed 87.8% of Spain's total imports of prepared explosives in kind.

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, K $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of prepared explosives declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 8 011 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 20.3% decrease over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 10 047 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 32.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—France, Portugal, and Germany—together accounted for 69.3% of Spain's total imports of prepared explosives in value terms.

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

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