Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in Belgium contracted from 53.7 million USD in 2018 to 50.1 million USD in 2020. This period saw the progressive introduction of the 'New Blue Bag' system for plastic waste collection, increasing recycling awareness, alongside the strengthening of quality standards for plastic pipes in construction and electrical applications, such as the NF EN 15874 standard.

Market volume recovered to 55.1 million USD in 2021 and surged to a peak of 66.3 million USD in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by the full-scale national rollout of the expanded New Blue Bag program, which significantly boosted Belgium's plastic packaging recycling rate and fueled demand for associated infrastructure, including plastic piping. The country's emergence as a European leader in plastic recycling during this time spurred investments in new high-tech sorting and recycling centers.

Following the 2022 peak, the market adjusted downward to 61.9 million USD in 2023 and 59.2 million USD in 2024. This decline coincided with the entry into force of a royal decree in May 2024 that limits single-use plastic products and sets future mandatory recycled content targets for rigid food packaging. Concurrently, rising industrial electricity costs put pressure on production expenses, while regulatory focus shifted towards promoting reusable and recyclable packaging solutions.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Belgium's production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 62 179 thousand US dollars, marking a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Belgium's production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) saw a decline. In 2020, 24 813 tonnes were produced, which is a 1.8% decrease from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 14.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 25 280 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 13.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 17 122 tonnes, up by 0.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 15 827 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 2.8%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the largest increase of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the primary destinations for Belgium's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) in volume terms. Germany accounted for 32.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 22.2%, and France for 16.9%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 52 182 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.9% improvement over 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 11.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the main markets for Belgium's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) in value terms. Germany held a 30.0% share, the Netherlands 21.5%, and France 17.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 69.1% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Belgium's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) reached 14 988 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 20.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 18.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 12 481 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 20.3%. In contrast, 2018 recorded the highest import volume at 15 653 tonnes, with the largest increase of 23.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were the key sources for Belgium's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) in volume terms. Germany accounted for 46.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.8%, and Italy for 20.6%. Together, these three countries made up 88.0% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Belgium's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 40 130 thousand US dollars, a reduction of 2.5% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The highest import value was in 2018 at 45 063 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 20.7%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands consistently led as the top sources for Belgium's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from polyethylene (PE) in value terms. Germany accounted for 49.6% of imports, Italy for 18.9%, and the Netherlands for 15.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 84.0% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020