Solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian market for solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes showed considerable movement in volume from 2018 to 2024. It grew from 23 184 t to 24 206 t in 2019, a period where research and development in sustainable, biodegradable polymer composites indirectly stimulated industry interest in greener materials. This expansion was sharply interrupted in 2020 when market volume fell to 17 287 t.

After a further contraction to 15 704 t in 2021, the market rebounded to 17 614 t in 2022. This recovery aligned with the Croatian Parliament's adoption of the Declaration on an Alpe-Adria-Danube region free from GMOs, which bolstered requirements for eco-friendly and non-GMO ingredients. Increased consumer demand for sustainable products and industry trends toward natural pigments and polymers provided additional support for market growth. Volume then stabilized at around 17 395 t in 2023.

In 2024, the market volume increased again to 19 183 t. Throughout the period, the market's value demonstrated a steady rise from $105.9 million to $126.6 million, suggesting a shift toward higher-value products amid the volumetric changes.

Production solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 45 481 thousand US dollars, marking a modest 5.6% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 52 079 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 7.5%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 10.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Croatia's production volume of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes declined. In 2020, 12 226 tonnes were produced, down 24.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 19.8%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.1%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 16 209 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.6%.

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

Exports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia's exports totalled 9 593 tonnes, a 76.8% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 425 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 27.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Greece were the top buyers of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Croatia. Turkey accounted for 32.8% of exports in kind, Italy for 12.8%, and Greece for 11.9%. Together, these three countries represented 57.5% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, Croatia's export value of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 25 780 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 50.5% year-over-year advance. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 17 125 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018, falling by 15.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged as the main markets for exports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 24.9% of exports, Italy for 13.8%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 13.4%. Combined, these three countries represented 52.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 653 tonnes, corresponding to a moderate 9.2% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 16.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia were the primary suppliers of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Croatia. Germany accounted for 33.8% of imports in kind, Italy for 29.9%, and Slovenia for 13.3%. Together, these three countries made up 77.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's import value of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes totalled 79 785 thousand US dollars, representing a robust 13.4% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.3%, equating to an average annual rate of 7.5%. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 3.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 13.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia remained the principal suppliers of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Croatia in value terms. Germany accounted for 38.9% of imports, Italy for 26.1%, and Slovenia for 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 75.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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