Styrene polymers in primary forms market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish styrene polymers market from 2018 to 2020 was influenced by the launch of the national plastics strategy and circular economy program in 2018, which established a framework for future regulatory developments. During this period, import volumes showed steady growth, reaching 50.1 thousand tons by 2020.

In 2021, the introduction of the EU's Single-Use Plastics (SUP) directive with specific product and marking requirements for disposable plastics, alongside amendments to packaging waste legislation, began to reshape the market. The ongoing implementation of these rules and the preparation for extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations and fee collections in 2022 increased regulatory pressure on producers. This contributed to a contraction in total market volume, which fell from 155.7 thousand tons in 2021 to 142.9 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 105.3 thousand tons in 2023.

Preparations for the expansion of EPR rules and the start of SUP fee collection from 2024 continued to influence the market in 2023. In 2024, despite the enforcement of stricter EPR regulations—including mandatory registration for all packaging producers—and the introduction of the tethered caps requirement under the SUP directive, the market volume stabilized and saw a modest recovery to 109.3 thousand tons, indicating industry adaptation to the new regulatory environment.

Production styrene polymers in primary forms in Finland

According to Faostat, there is no production of styrene polymers in primary forms in Finland.

Exports styrene polymers in primary forms from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Finland's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 741 tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 37.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 80.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States were the main markets for Finland's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms. Italy accounted for 42.7% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 8.4%, and the United States for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 59.3% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Finland's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms in monetary terms increased in 2020. Exports reached 8 987 thousand US dollars, showing a modest rise of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, exports decreased by 66.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 560 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 46.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Finland's exports of styrene polymers in primary forms in value terms. Italy was the largest partner with 25.0% of exports, followed by the United States at 12.5% and the United Kingdom at 11.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 48.7% of total export value, with many smaller partners each holding relatively modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports styrene polymers in primary forms to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Finland's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 50 058 tonnes, reflecting a gain of 5.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 25.6%, equivalent to an annualized increase of 7.9%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany, France, and Belgium were the key partners for Finland's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms in kind. Germany accounted for 23.0% of imports, France for 15.8%, and Belgium for 12.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 51.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Finland's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms in monetary terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 68 000 thousand US dollars, marking a controlled decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 15.5%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 71 233 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 14.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Belgium accounted for the largest share of Finland's imports of styrene polymers in primary forms in value terms. Germany represented 23.6% of imports, France 13.8%, and Belgium 13.0%. Together, these three partners comprised 50.5% of total import flows.

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

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