PU in primary forms market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for polyurethanes in primary forms, measured in physical volume, shrank considerably from 50.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 16.8 thousand tons in 2021. In value terms, the market initially expanded, reaching 199.2 million USD in 2020, but then contracted sharply to 72.8 million USD the following year.

Domestic production followed a similar downward trajectory, falling from 104.2 thousand tons to 66.2 thousand tons over the same period. Import volumes into the Netherlands remained relatively stable between 37 and 48 thousand tons through 2022, while exports fluctuated with a notable peak in 2022.

From 2022 onward, import volumes gradually declined to 32.8 thousand tons by 2025, and export volumes receded from their 2022 high but remained above 70 thousand tons, indicating ongoing international trade activity despite the earlier reduction in domestic market size.

Production PU in primary forms in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands' production of polyurethane in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 337.9 million US dollars, showing a moderate decline of 7.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 386.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

The Netherlands' production of polyurethane in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 66.2 thousand tonnes were produced, showing a solid reduction of 17.2% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 36.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%.

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

Exports PU in primary forms from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, exports of polyurethane in primary forms from the Netherlands increased in 2021. The export volume stood at 97 138 tonnes, indicating a robust advance of 19.8% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 7.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 81 051 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.0%.

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

The analysis of exports in kind from 2018 to 2021 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Germany accounted for 18.9% of exports in kind, India for 17.8%, and Italy for 7.1%, together making up 43.8% of total flows. The remaining 56.2% went to other partners.

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 decrease, exports of polyurethane in primary forms from the Netherlands increased in 2021. The export volume totalled 475.0 million US dollars, reflecting a gain of 50.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 30.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 315.1 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, India, and Italy were the largest but not dominant buyers of polyurethane in primary forms from the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 16.5% of exports, India for 11.8%, and Italy for 7.1%, together making up 35.3% of total exports. The rest was distributed among a broad range of smaller partners.

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 PU in primary forms to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

The Netherlands' volume of polyurethane in primary forms imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported a total of 47 687 tonnes, which is 21.0% stronger year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 28.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 36 667 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Germany, Belgium, and Spain—together absorbed 71.0% of total imports in kind of polyurethane in primary forms to the Netherlands.

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

Imported volumes of polyurethane in primary forms in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the Netherlands imported a total of 143.1 million US dollars worth of polyurethane in primary forms, representing a 42.4% uptick compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 31.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 143.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.3%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Spain remained the key directions for imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 44.2% of imports, Belgium for 17.0%, and Spain for 6.6%, together taking 67.8% 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