Silicones in primary forms market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Sweden's silicone market experienced a significant disruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced global demand and affected import volumes. After stable import levels around 9 900 t in 2018 and 2019, imports fell to 7 777 t in 2020, contributing to a market volume of 7 325 t that year. The pandemic led to lower silicone prices and weakened consumption during its initial months, despite earlier capacity expansions by manufacturers.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, with imports returning to nearly 9 800 t and market volume jumping to 9 019 t, supported by a rise in domestic production to 316 t. In 2022, market volume expanded further to 9 229 t, while production eased slightly to 311 t. In value terms, the market grew from USD 41.5 million in 2020 to USD 58.1 million in 2022, reflecting both volume recovery and likely price adjustments.

Import volumes dipped to 8 770 t in 2023 before climbing to 10 417 t in 2024. During this period, new EU and Swedish regulations began shaping the market, including a ban on BPA and hazardous bisphenols in contact materials such as silicones, and upcoming restrictions on cyclic siloxanes D4, D5, D6 under the REACH regulation. Concurrently, a growing focus on sustainability and climate-neutral industry, along with changing consumer preferences toward eco-friendly products, influenced market dynamics and encouraged advanced silicone solutions from suppliers.

Production silicones in primary forms 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 silicones in primary forms from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's exports of silicones in primary forms continued to grow for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 710 tonnes, marking a modest 0.7% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually fell by 29.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 692 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest drop of 31.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest growth, with exports rising by 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Denmark, and Norway were the primary markets for Sweden's silicone exports in volume terms. China accounted for 26.0% of exports, Denmark for 23.7%, and Norway for 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented 61.0% of Sweden's total export flows during this period.

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

In 2020, Sweden's exports of silicones in primary forms were valued at 28 318 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 10.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, export values declined by 6%, with an average annual reduction of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 28 055 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 31 621 thousand US dollars. That year also saw the highest growth rate, with a 12.7% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Denmark, and Hong Kong were the leading destinations for Sweden's silicone exports in value terms. China dominated with a 61.5% share, followed by Denmark at 8.1% and Hong Kong at 4.2%. Collectively, these three markets made up 73.8% of Sweden's total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports silicones in primary forms to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of silicones in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 7 777 tonnes, down 21.0% from the previous year. Despite this recent drop, imports over the 2017-2020 period increased by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 947 tonnes, which also saw the most significant increase of 38.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Norway, and Belgium were the main sources of Sweden's silicone imports in volume terms. Germany led with a 39.3% share, followed by Norway at 22.4% and Belgium at 13.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.9% of Sweden's total import flows during these years.

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 imports of silicones in primary forms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 46 967 thousand US dollars, a 15.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 3.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 57 370 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Sweden's silicone imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 38.8% of imports, Belgium for 20.1%, and the Netherlands for 9.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 68.1% of Sweden's total import value during this period.

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

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