Solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Austrian solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market was characterized by a strong emphasis on quality and environmental sustainability, which bolstered exports to the EU and Eastern Europe. The opening of Axalta's large research and development center for coatings in Austria enhanced innovation capabilities, supporting domestic production, which grew from 26 800 tonnes in 2019 to 27 900 tonnes in 2020. However, the total market volume contracted to 34 200 tonnes in 2020.

Market volume surged by 63% to 55 800 tonnes in 2021, driven by dynamic growth in bio-based and biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acids (PLA) and starch polymers, used in paint and varnish formulations. This trend stimulated domestic production, which reached 31 900 tonnes. From 2022, a fundamental transformation in the plastics industry, marked by declining production in the automotive sector and weakened construction investment, pressured the coatings market. This contributed to a drop in production to 28 200 tonnes in 2022, while market volume growth stabilized. By 2023 and 2024, market volume fell to approximately 30 900 tonnes, with production settling at 26 100 tonnes, reflecting the ongoing industry adjustment.

Production solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in Austria

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Austria's output of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes was valued at 139.0 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 8.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Austria produced 27,871 tonnes of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes, showing a modest rise of 4.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 17.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

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

Exports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Austria's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 34,807 tonnes. This represented a strong year-on-year increase of 11.9%. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 35.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Poland, and Czechia were notable buyers of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Austria, with shares of 23.8%, 9.2%, and 8.4% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share accounted for only 41.4% of total exports, indicating a diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Austria's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes were recorded at 187.5 million US dollars, reflecting a strong rise of 14.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 31.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.8%, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria's export structure in value terms remained highly diversified. Germany, Belgium, and Czechia accounted for 27.4%, 7.9%, and 7.8% of exports in value, respectively, totaling only 43.0% of total flows. The remaining 57.0% was made up of a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 41,133 tonnes. This represented a gradual decrease of 8.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 9.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.4%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 45,974 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 0.7%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy consistently led Austria's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in kind, with shares of 64.3%, 7.9%, and 6.1%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 78.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Austria's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 217.4 million US dollars, which was a decrease of 5.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 232.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 9.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany remained the dominant partner for Austria's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms, holding a 72.6% share of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail, contributing the remainder.

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

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