Raw or retted, not spun flax market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for raw or retted flax in Eastern Europe rose from 77 thousand tons to 88 thousand tons. This growth was propelled by the relocation of linen yarn and fabric production from Western Europe to the region, which increased local demand for flax fiber. Enhanced cooperation between raw material producers and processors, coupled with the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies, improved yields and supply chain efficiency.

The market contracted sharply to 63.6 thousand tons in 2021, partly due to a shift in focus toward flaxseed exports for oil production, which diverted resources from fiber output. Stricter quality control standards also temporarily affected volumes. A recovery to 76.4 thousand tons followed in 2022, supported by expanded flax cultivation in Russia and cooperative efforts to enhance export potential. However, in 2023, volume declined again to 64.5 thousand tons as flax harvests decreased, putting upward pressure on prices.

Production raw or retted, not spun flax in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

In Eastern Europe, including Northern Asia, the production of raw or retted, unspun flax has grown for the second year in a row. The region produced 87 980 tonnes in 2020, a modest year-over-year increase of 1.4%. Looking back to 2017, production has risen by 6.4% overall, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 77 273 tonnes, when output fell by 6.5%. The following year, 2019, saw the strongest rebound, with a 12.3% surge in production.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports raw or retted, not spun flax from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, t

Exports of raw or retted, unspun flax from Eastern Europe, including Northern Asia, have dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 124 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 42.5% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 92.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -57.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 through 2020, Austria and Germany were the primary markets for these exports in volume terms, together accounting for 90.5% of total shipments. Other destinations played a much smaller role during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of raw or retted, unspun flax exports from Eastern Europe, including Northern Asia, has also fallen for three years running. In 2020, export earnings reached 265 thousand US dollars, down 3.2% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, the total export value decreased by 87.9%, with an average annual decline of 50.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria was the leading destination in value terms, capturing 71.8% of total export flows from the region. The remainder was spread across several smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw or retted, not spun flax to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of raw or retted, unspun flax into Eastern Europe, including Northern Asia, showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. The market hit its lowest point in 2019, with just 6 tonnes imported, representing a 93.0% drop from the previous year. By 2020, imports rebounded sharply to 24 tonnes, a 308.1% increase year-over-year. Overall, imports varied widely, with a 17-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom were the key sources for imports in volume terms. The Netherlands led with 20.7% of total imports, followed by Lithuania at 2.9% and the United Kingdom at 0.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 24.5% of all import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values were similarly volatile during this period. The market bottomed out in 2019 at 79 thousand US dollars, a 44.1% decrease from the prior year. In 2020, import spending jumped to 237 thousand US dollars, up 200.2% year-over-year. Overall, import values fluctuated significantly, with a threefold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In value terms, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Lithuania were the main sources of imports from 2017 to 2020. The United Kingdom accounted for 35.4% of total import value, the Netherlands for 26.1%, and Lithuania for 13.1%. Combined, these three countries made up 74.6% of all import flows into the region.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020