Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of polyethylene expanded sharply in 2019, with volume reaching 38 512 t, driven by the European Green Deal's push for recycled content in plastic pipes and the ongoing shift among installers to plastic systems due to lower material costs and faster installation. This regulatory stimulus aligned with circular economy initiatives like the BIS collection and recycling system, which increased the availability of high-quality recycled materials for pipe production.

From 2020, market volume began a gradual contraction, falling to 30 723 t by 2024. This decline coincided with heightened attention to product safety after studies showed chemical migration from plastic drinking water pipes, leading to stricter scrutiny and quality assurance requirements. During this period, innovation sustained market value, which peaked at $127.8 million in 2021, supported by the introduction of composite materials, nanotechnology-enhanced pipes, and PP compression fittings that improved system efficiency and durability.

The market's subsequent development remained shaped by circular economy principles, with BureauLeiding publishing guidelines to optimize installation and lifespan, and a growing emphasis on designing pipes for recyclability. The sustained focus on biobased polymers and recycled content reflected the lasting impact of sustainability policies, even as overall consumption volumes moderated.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands produced rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE valued at 61 808 K $ US, marking a slight gain of 2.6% compared to the previous year. Production increased by 22.9% between 2018 and 2021, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 77 163 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 53.5%. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 21.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Production in the Netherlands reached 18 380 t of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE in 2021, which is 10.1% lower year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 26 885 t, showing the largest increase of 100.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 23.9%. There was a 2-fold variation between the maximum in 2019 and the minimum in 2018.

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

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 11 890 t of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE, reflecting a moderate improvement of 7.3% compared to the previous year. Exports increased by 31.9% between 2018 and 2021, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 29.8%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 5.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three main markets—Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom—together absorbed 56.7% of total exports in kind of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE from the Netherlands.

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

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 65.3 M $ US of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE, indicating a gradual uptick of 4.9% from a year earlier. Exports increased by 22% between 2018 and 2021, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 85.1 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 59.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 26.9%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 can be described as diversified. Belgium accounted for 18.7% of exports in value terms, Germany for 18.1%, and Oman for 8.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 44.9% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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 rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE imports into the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 28 766 t, constituting a rise of 2.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 43.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Poland consistently remained the main destinations for imports in kind. Germany accounted for 56.3% of imports in kind, Belgium for 21.2%, and Poland for 4.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.3% of total flows.

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

The volume of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE imports into the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the Netherlands imported a total of 131.3 M $ US, corresponding to a strong increase of 21.9% versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 56.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and Czechia were the primary suppliers of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PE to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 49.2% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 20.4%, and Czechia for 6.4%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 76.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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