Propylene glycol market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the propylene glycol market in Denmark expanded significantly, with market volume rising from 5 038 t to 9 767 t. Domestic production also increased from 393 t in 2018 to 625 t in 2019 before a slight contraction to 601 t in 2020.

Following 2020, imports of propylene glycol into Denmark began a multi-year decline, falling from a peak of 10 512 t in 2020 to 6 372 t by 2023. This downturn coincided with reduced refinery utilization across Europe, which curtailed the supply of propylene glycol as a co-product and limited availability for import. European refinery run rates dropped from 87% in 2022 to 81% in 2023 due to energy cost pressures and strategic run cuts, reducing propylene co-production by an estimated 9% and directly impacting material flows into Denmark.

Concurrently, regulatory and environmental shifts within the European sphere began to influence demand patterns. A full transition to propylene glycol-based de-icing fluids at major European airports, including in France and Spain, increased consumption in the aviation sector. Furthermore, growing demand for bio-based propylene glycol in pharmaceutical and food applications, alongside investments in biomass-derived production capacity driven by EU sustainability policies, steered the market focus toward environmentally preferable products.

Production propylene glycol in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's propylene glycol output was valued at 1 244 K $ US, marking a significant increase of 19.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 37.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 5.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 21.3%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Denmark produced 601.4 t of propylene glycol, representing a slight decrease of 3.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 53%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 15.2%. The highest production level was achieved in 2019, at 625.5 t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 3.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 59.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports propylene glycol from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark's propylene glycol exports totaled 809 t, showing a sharp decline of 39.9% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 33.6%, with an average annual decline of 12.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020, at 1 347 t, which also saw the largest increase of 14.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Norway were the leading destinations for Denmark's propylene glycol exports in kind. Sweden accounted for 40.9% of exports, the United Kingdom for 11.7%, and Norway for 11.4%, together representing 63.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Denmark's propylene glycol exports in value terms rebounded. In 2021, exports reached 3 052 K $ US, up 24.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 6.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020, at 2 452 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, at 13.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom were the top contributors to Denmark's propylene glycol exports in value terms. Sweden made up 30.2% of exports, Norway 15.7%, and the United Kingdom 13.1%, collectively accounting for 59.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports propylene glycol to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Denmark's propylene glycol imports in kind declined. In 2021, import volume reached 8 265 t, down 21.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 41%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020, at 10 512 t, which also saw the largest increase of 34.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the primary sources for Denmark's propylene glycol imports in kind. Germany accounted for 48.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 25.7%, and Belgium for 10.0%, together making up 84.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Denmark's propylene glycol imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 21 951 K $ US, equivalent to a rise of 68.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 113.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 28.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium remained the key partners for Denmark's propylene glycol imports in value terms. Germany contributed 47.5% of imports, the Netherlands 27.1%, and Belgium 10.2%, collectively accounting for 84.8% of total import flows.

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

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