Propylene oxide market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the propylene oxide market in the Netherlands increased from 726 thousand tons in 2018 to 767 thousand tons in 2021, despite a temporary dip in 2019. This growth occurred alongside the country's strengthening position as a leading global exporter, with export values reaching $491 million in 2020 and $611 million in 2022, indicating robust production activity driven by international trade.

From 2022 onward, the market volume contracted sharply, falling to 637 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 502 thousand tons in 2024. This decline coincided with reduced purchases of propylene oxide across the European market, which affected trade flows into and out of the Netherlands. Broader industry trends, including rising demand for energy-efficient materials that use propylene oxide in polyurethane production, continued to shape market dynamics throughout the period.

Production propylene oxide in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Propylene oxide production in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 1 282 million US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 35.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 15.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 837 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 24.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Propylene oxide production in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 827.1 thousand tonnes were produced, showing a moderate increase of 4.7% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 617.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 19.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 27.9%.

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

Exports propylene oxide from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

The Netherlands' propylene oxide export volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 388.5 thousand tonnes, representing a small advance of 2.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 375.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 7.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Germany played the leading roles in exports in kind, together accounting for 86.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

After a two-year decline, foreign propylene oxide supplies from the Netherlands increased. In 2021, exports stood at 619.1 million US dollars, indicating a steep uptick of 29.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 479.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 of 9.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, two leading markets—Belgium and Germany—together accounted for 85.5% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining volume was dispersed across a wide range of other countries.

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 oxide to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, propylene oxide imports to the Netherlands amounted to 328.3 thousand tonnes, up by 12.7% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 291.3 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 423.9 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 31.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium remained the main markets for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 85.7% of total flows, while other partners formed the remaining share.

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

In 2021, the Netherlands' propylene oxide import volume amounted to 360.7 million US dollars, marking an advance of 29.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 26.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 279.4 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 509.2 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 45.1%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium together captured 85.2% of total imports in value terms, and the rest of the flows were spread thinly across other markets.

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

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