Silicon dioxide market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish silicon dioxide market volume increased from 13 042 t in 2020 to 13 910 t in 2021, a growth supported by rising global demand for high‑purity silica from the semiconductor and solar cell industries. During this period, major European investments such as Merck’s new silica‑based pigment production line in Germany underscored regional capacity expansions that likely bolstered supply and market activity in neighboring Sweden. In 2022, however, domestic market volume fell sharply to 8 463 t as Swedish producers redirected significantly more material to export markets, driven by strong international demand from the electronics, construction and automotive sectors.

Over the 2018‑2024 period, Swedish trade flows reflected broader global dynamics. Imports peaked at 11 132 t in 2021 before dropping in 2022, partly due to industry efforts toward supply‑chain diversification and selective sourcing. Exports surged to 14 042 t in 2022, mirroring the worldwide need for silica in industrial applications, and remained well above pre‑2020 levels in the following years. Regulatory support from bodies such as EFSA and FDA for silica use in food and pharmaceuticals, together with a market shift toward sustainable and clean‑label products, continued to shape the overall business environment for silicon dioxide in Sweden.

Production silicon dioxide in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports silicon dioxide from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sweden exported 11,381 tonnes of silicon dioxide, marking a moderate decline of 5.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10,125 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 30.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 18.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Morocco, and Denmark were the leading destinations for Sweden's silicon dioxide exports in volume terms. Finland accounted for 52.1% of exports, Morocco for 13.9%, and Denmark for 10.6%, collectively representing 76.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sweden's silicon dioxide export value increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching $14,762 thousand, up 1.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $12,783 thousand, which saw a slight decline of 1.3%. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase of 13.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Denmark, and Finland were the key destinations for Sweden's silicon dioxide exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 51.2% of exports, Denmark for 9.5%, and Finland for 8.0%, together making up 68.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports silicon dioxide to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's silicon dioxide import volume increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 11,000 tonnes, a moderate rise of 4.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 9,929 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 9.4%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest increase of 5.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway and Denmark dominated Sweden's silicon dioxide imports in volume terms, together capturing 81.4% of total imports, while the remaining flows were distributed across other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's silicon dioxide import value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling $17,676 thousand, a slight decrease of 1.9% year-over-year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at $18,193 thousand, which saw the largest increase of 1.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom were consistently the main sources for Sweden's silicon dioxide imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 29.8% of imports, Norway for 23.4%, and the United Kingdom for 13.1%, together representing 66.3% of total import flows.

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

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