Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PP market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market was initially supported by growing demand for larger, cost-effective sewer pipes driven by infrastructure development and urbanization in Spain. Investment activity, such as MCH Private Equity acquiring a majority stake in the PVC pipe manufacturer Molecor, indicated consolidation and confidence in the sector. However, the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a slowdown in key end-use industries like construction and automotive, reducing demand for polypropylene and plastic pipes and leading to a marked contraction in market volume.

From 2021 through 2023, the market continued to shrink. This period was characterized by increasing environmental scrutiny and regulatory evolution. Spain's Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy, along with the 2023 order TED/646/2023 setting criteria for when thermoplastic waste can be reused, introduced new obligations for recycled content and waste management. Debates on the environmental and health impact of PVC and growing competition from alternative materials added further pressure, constraining overall market demand despite ongoing preferences for plastic pipes due to their corrosion resistance and ease of installation.

In 2024, the market volume rebounded. This recovery was driven by emerging demand for specialized pipes for hydrogen and oil transmission, spurring innovation. The launch of Amiblu Pipes Spain as the first European CO2-neutral factory for fiber-reinforced polyester pipes highlighted advances in sustainable production. Simultaneously, new regulations took effect, including a tax on non-reusable plastic packaging with mandatory recycled content certification and anti-dumping recommendations on imported PVC resins, which reshaped the competitive landscape and supported domestic market activity.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PP in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 49 389 thousand US dollars, down 7.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.2%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 60 405 thousand US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 12.0% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 16.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) in Spain decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain produced 21 164 tonnes, marking a modest 4.2% year-on-year decline. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.7%, with an average annual decrease of 1.3%. The peak was in 2018 with 24 505 tonnes. The sharpest drop was in 2019 at 9.8%, while the largest gain was in 2018 with an 11.5% increase.

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

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PP from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) from Spain grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 2 539 tonnes, up 0.6% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 18.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports in volume terms were distributed across multiple partners without a clear leader. Portugal accounted for 23.2% of exports, Morocco for 14.1%, and Germany for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 44.0% of total flows, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) were valued at 17 529 thousand US dollars, a 42.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 47.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.7%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Spain's exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Portugal held an 18.2% share, Italy 8.6%, and Germany 8.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 35.2% of total flows, while many other nations made up the remaining 64.8%.

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

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

Imports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PP to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) declined. In 2020, imports totaled 7 617 tonnes, showing a limited 9.0% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 16.8%, with an average annual growth of 5.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 366 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Portugal led Spain's imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 30.6% of imports, Italy for 27.2%, and Portugal for 23.7%. Together, these three suppliers represented 81.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 31 309 thousand US dollars, down 8.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.2%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The peak value was in 2018 at 34 258 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was also in 2018 at 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Portugal were the top suppliers of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) to Spain in value terms. Germany held a 38.5% share, Italy 31.0%, and Portugal 9.5%. Their combined share reached 78.9% of total imports.

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

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