Synthetic organic colours and lakes market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for synthetic organic colours and lakes in Finland reached 70.9 million USD in 2019, following a period shaped by evolving EU chemical legislation and rising consumer awareness. The entry of new players offering natural and biodegradable dyes began to redirect demand, while tightening safety requirements for synthetic substances signaled coming regulatory pressure on the industry.

A sharp 19.4% contraction to 57.2 million USD in 2020 was primarily driven by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to global supply chains and raw material availability. The market saw a temporary partial recovery in 2021, but this was reversed as stringent new EU rules took hold. The enforcement of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and specific bans on certain tattoo inks in 2022 directly reduced available products and consumption, causing a further 21.4% drop in market volume.

The decline accelerated through 2023 and 2024, with the market falling to 37.6 million USD. This sustained downturn was fueled by a combination of regulatory measures, including the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging and impending excise tax changes, alongside a definitive consumer shift towards safer, natural alternatives. Continuous tightening of PFAS compound restrictions and updated product safety laws reinforced the structural move away from synthetic dyes in the Finnish market.

Production synthetic organic colours and lakes in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Finland's production of synthetic organic colors and lakes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 15 457 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.5% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Finland's production of synthetic organic colors and lakes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 372 tonnes were produced, representing a 7.2% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 092 tonnes, which saw a 22.3% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 29.3% decrease.

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

Exports synthetic organic colours and lakes from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 46 tonnes, with an 82.5% decline. In 2020, cross-border shipments surged to 582 tonnes, a 1,175.1% increase over the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2019 was 12.8 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Sweden, and Germany formed the core group of markets for exports in kind. Russia accounted for 32.6% of exports, Sweden for 30.2%, and Germany for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 75.0% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, synthetic organic colors and lakes exports from Finland totaled 5 884 thousand US dollars, a 41.2% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 40.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 167 thousand US dollars, which saw a 3.2% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—together absorbed 64.3% of Finland's total exports in value terms for synthetic organic colors and lakes.

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

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

Imports synthetic organic colours and lakes to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 2 377 tonnes, with an 88.7% decline. In 2020, Finland imported 18 126 tonnes, a 662.6% increase compared to the previous year. Import levels varied by 9.6 times between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Spain, and China—together accounted for 62.7% of Finland's total imports in kind of synthetic organic colors and lakes.

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

After two years of gains, imported volumes of synthetic organic colors and lakes in Finland declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 56 828 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.2% drop compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 56 828 thousand US dollars, which saw a 12.4% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany accounted for 31.3% of imports, China for 9.5%, and Spain for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 49.9% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 50.1%.

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

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