Tissues and towels of paper market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for tissues and towels of paper stood at 191.3 thousand tons in 2018. A decline to 182.7 thousand tons followed in 2019, before the market recovered to 191.0 thousand tons in 2020. This rebound was supported by a shift from hand dryers to paper towels during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand in commercial and public spaces.

A sharp expansion to 224.2 thousand tons occurred in 2021, driven by the launch of new lines of sustainable paper tissues by European companies and a growing institutional preference for products with eco-labels in schools and hospitals. The market stabilized at a high level of 222.5 thousand tons in 2022, sustained by rising consumer interest in products with natural ingredients like aloe vera and almond oils. However, volume fell to 193.5 thousand tons in 2023 as persistent strict environmental regulations constrained production cycles and affected product availability.

In 2024, the market grew to 208.8 thousand tons. This increase was fueled by greater environmental awareness, which spurred innovation and the launch of new sustainable products, while subscription models for tissue paper gained popularity, facilitating recurring purchases.

Production tissues and towels of paper in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's production of tissues and towels of paper was valued at 312.4 million US dollars, marking an 8.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 286.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 320.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 10.4%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 11.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 189.4 thousand tonnes of tissues and towels of paper, showing an 8.4% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 10%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.2%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports tissues and towels of paper from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of tissues and towels of paper have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 39 883 tonnes, representing a robust 10.4% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 27.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the key destinations for Spain's exports in kind. France accounted for 48.8% of exports, Portugal for 17.3%, and Morocco for 9.8%, together making up 75.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's exports of tissues and towels of paper have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 77 544 thousand US dollars, a 13.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Portugal, and Morocco were the main destinations for Spain's exports in value terms. France represented 44.2% of exports, Portugal 20.2%, and Morocco 9.7%, collectively absorbing 74.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports tissues and towels of paper to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of tissues and towels of paper declined. In 2020, the country imported approximately 41 490 tonnes, a 5.9% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.1%, with an annualized rate of 1.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 44 078 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Portugal, and Germany were the leading sources for Spain's imports in kind. Italy accounted for 44.3% of imports, Portugal for 29.8%, and Germany for 11.3%, together comprising 85.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's imports of tissues and towels of paper have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 79 735 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight fall of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 85 003 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 5.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 13.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Portugal, and Germany remained the top sources for Spain's imports in value terms. Italy represented 43.5% of imports, Portugal 27.5%, and Germany 11.9%, with a combined share of 82.8% of total import flows.

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

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