Solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Danish market for solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes experienced notable shifts. In 2018 and 2019, stricter environmental labeling requirements, growing consumer focus on low-VOC and solvent-free products, and heightened concerns over microplastics contributed to a decline in market volume, which fell to 27 420 t by 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020, yet the market recovered to 28 425 t, supported by continued industry innovation towards more sustainable formulations. A significant expansion followed in 2021, with market volume rising to 32 044 t, driven by tighter regulations on microplastics in paints and increased consumer demand for full ingredient transparency and biodegradable alternatives.

The market stabilized in volume terms during 2022 at 32 032 t, but its value dropped to 125.9 million US dollars due to global raw material price inflation and logistical challenges affecting synthetic polymer availability. This period also saw sustained growth in the natural and sustainable paint segment, reinforced by additional labeling and packaging requirements. In 2023, market volume increased further to 33 285 t, while value continued to decline to 117.4 million US dollars. By 2024, the market contracted sharply to 23 084 t in volume and 112.1 million US dollars in value.

Production solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Denmark, the production value of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes reached 84,849 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 7.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 69,958 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 86,010 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline was observed in 2019 with an 11.0% drop, whereas the largest increase took place in 2020 with a substantial 22.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 19,238 tonnes, showing a 9.3% growth over the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, production expanded by 21.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 14,608 tonnes. That year also saw the biggest decline of 7.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 20.5% surge.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's export volume of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes totaled 9,774 tonnes in 2021, down by 4.4% from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 9,119 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 10,227 tonnes. The most significant increase happened in 2020 with a 12.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Poland were the primary destinations for Denmark's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 35.4% of exports, Sweden for 13.0%, and Poland for 8.4%. Together, these three countries absorbed 56.9% of Denmark's total exports in this category.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 53.3 million US dollars, representing an 11.3% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 15%, which equates to an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 38.5 million US dollars. That year also experienced the largest decline of 16.8%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 24.3% jump.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms were quite diversified across partner countries. The Netherlands accounted for 19.6% of exports, Sweden for 14.5%, and Hungary for 9.6%. Combined, these three countries represented only 43.7% of the total export value, indicating a wide distribution among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Denmark's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms have rebounded. In 2021, imports were recorded at 22,580 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 7.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 21,050 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 4.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Poland, and Germany were the main sources for Denmark's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms. Sweden contributed 24.6% of imports, Poland 20.9%, and Germany 17.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.1% of Denmark's total imports in this category.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Denmark's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms have increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 124.4 million US dollars, marking a significant improvement of 16.3% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 2.8%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 107.0 million US dollars. The largest decline happened in 2019 with a 10.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Germany, and Poland were the largest suppliers of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Denmark in value terms. Sweden accounted for 29.4% of imports, Germany for 20.8%, and Poland for 11.6%. Combined, these three countries formed 61.9% of Denmark's total import value in this sector.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021