Propylene market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The propylene market in the Netherlands expanded to 2 108 thousand tons in 2019. However, it contracted sharply to 1 545 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused a low point in industrial production and disrupted the chemical sector.

Market volume continued to decline, falling to 1 089 thousand tons in 2022. This drop was driven by high energy prices and a worsened competitive position for the chemical industry, compounded by trade disruptions from the war in Ukraine. A significant change occurred in January 2022 when INVISTA acquired Flint Hills Resources' propylene business, altering the landscape of market players.

The downward trend persisted, with the market reaching 813 thousand tons in 2023 due to continued industrial production declines and global economic headwinds. In 2024, the market stabilized at around 817 thousand tons amid fluctuating propylene prices and ongoing pressures from the energy transition affecting the chemical sector.

Production propylene in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, propylene production in the Netherlands showed an increase. In 2021, output was valued at 1 597 million US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 31.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 594 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 30.2% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Propylene production in the Netherlands declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, 1 493 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a significant drop of 17.0% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 28.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 2 278 thousand tonnes, which saw an 8.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 21.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports propylene from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, propylene exports from the Netherlands reached 747.0 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 4.7% compared to 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 778.0 thousand tonnes, while the lowest was in 2020 at 713.5 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium remained the primary markets for propylene exports in volume terms, together accounting for 97.4% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, propylene exports from the Netherlands rebounded. In 2021, exports stood at 874.3 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 53.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 2.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 569.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 26.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Germany and Belgium were the key partner countries for propylene exports in value terms, jointly representing 97.8% of total flows, while other partners accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports propylene to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, propylene imports into the Netherlands were recorded at 683.2 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a substantial increase of 48.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 39.2%, translating to an annualized rate of 11.7%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 460.3 thousand tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (23.3% of imports in volume terms), Spain (21.2%), and the United Kingdom (12.8%) formed the core of propylene imports, together accounting for 57.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 346.7 million US dollars and peaked in 2021, showing a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, the Netherlands imported propylene valued at 874.3 million US dollars, amounting to a dramatic increase of 133.4% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 39.7% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over 2018–2021, Germany (24.3% of imports in value terms), Spain (20.0%), and Belgium (12.6%) consistently held leading positions in the import structure, jointly accounting for 56.9% of total flows.

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

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