PVC in primary forms market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, PVC production in Portugal fluctuated between 249.6 thousand tons and 267.3 thousand tons, with a peak in 2020. The market volume, however, contracted from 131.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 120.4 thousand tons in 2020, alongside reduced imports. During this period, PVC maintained its core demand from established applications in construction, electrical, and medical industries, reflecting its material durability and versatility.

A significant regulatory shift occurred starting November 2021 with Portugal's ban on single-use plastic products, aligned with EU Directive 2019/904, which reduced demand for PVC in disposable items. These restrictions were strengthened in 2022 through further rules targeting single-use plastics in food service and retail. Contrary to the downward pressure from these bans, the overall PVC market volume recovered to 132.0 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was propelled by the expanding vinyl record segment, where new production facilities and rising consumer interest, especially among younger generations, increased PVC consumption for music media.

The influence of the vinyl market persisted into 2024, with vinyl album sales growing 7% and contributing to a 15% expansion of Portugal's recorded music market that year. This sustained shift in consumer preferences supported PVC demand for durable applications, partly counterbalancing the decline from single-use plastic regulations. While complete market size data after 2023 is unavailable, trade flows show continued imports to meet domestic needs, indicating the market's adaptation to these dual forces of regulatory constraint and niche segment growth.

Production PVC in primary forms in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, Portugal's output of PVC in primary forms was valued at 267.6 million US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Production declined by 10.5% between 2018 and 2020, averaging an annualized decrease of 3.6%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 266.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2020, Portugal produced 267.3 thousand tonnes of PVC in primary forms, marking a moderate increase of 7.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 5.8%, with an annualized rate of 1.9%. The minimum production level was recorded in 2019 at 249.6 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

Exports PVC in primary forms from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Portugal's exports of PVC in primary forms amounted to 171.7 thousand tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 3.4% from 2020. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 155.5 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 177.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.5%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 14.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Italy, and France were the primary destinations for Portugal's exports of PVC in primary forms in kind. Spain accounted for 57.1% of exports, Italy for 7.9%, and France for 5.5%, collectively representing 70.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Portugal's exports of PVC in primary forms in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 269.7 million US dollars, reflecting a significant increase of 49.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 28.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 169.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Italy, and France consistently served as the main destinations for Portugal's exports of PVC in primary forms in value terms. Spain represented 52.4% of exports, Italy 8.0%, and France 5.9%, together accounting for 66.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports PVC in primary forms to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of PVC in primary forms in kind rebounded in 2021, totaling 47.7 thousand tonnes and showing a sharp increase of 54.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The minimum import volume was in 2020 at 30.8 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 31.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United States, and Mexico were the key sources for Portugal's imports of PVC in primary forms in kind, collectively accounting for 74.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 34.6 million US dollars and peaked in 2021 at 84.2 million US dollars, representing a 2.4-fold increase. In 2021, Portugal imported 84.2 million US dollars of PVC in primary forms, indicating a sharp rise of 143.7% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 33.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, the United States, and Mexico were the main sources for Portugal's imports of PVC in primary forms in value terms. Spain accounted for 55.0% of imports, the United States for 10.6%, and Mexico for 7.2%, together absorbing 72.9% of total import flows.

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

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