Toilet paper market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Spanish toilet paper market was shaped by evolving consumer preferences and the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant investment in innovation and a shift towards sustainable products supported consumption in 2018. The pandemic then heightened hygiene awareness in 2021, leading to increased demand that pushed the market volume to 319.7 thousand tons.

From 2022, external shocks impacted the market. The war in Ukraine disrupted global supply chains, causing pulp prices to surge by 18-21% in Europe and constraining production. This contributed to a decline in market volume to 313.5 thousand tons in 2022. In 2023, production of toilet paper fell by 4.1%, part of a broader industry downturn, which led to a more significant reduction in market volume to 274.9 thousand tons despite steady consumer demand.

A strong recovery occurred in 2024. Improved industry conditions and sustained demand drove a 10.8% increase in production in the first quarter, resulting in a market volume of 357.8 thousand tons for the year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Production toilet paper in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's toilet paper production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 547.6 million US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 617.1 million US dollars, which represented a 7.2% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.1% drop.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 343.3 thousand tons of toilet paper, marking a modest increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 350.5 thousand tons, while the minimum was in 2019 at 326.5 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 6.8% decrease.

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

Exports toilet paper from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Exported toilet paper volumes from Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain exported 67,322 tons, which is 11.3% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 43.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Portugal were the dominant destinations for Spain's toilet paper exports in kind, jointly accounting for 80.4% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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, M $ US

Spain's toilet paper export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 109.7 million US dollars, reflecting a limited increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 48.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France and Portugal remained the primary buyers of toilet paper from Spain in value terms, with a combined share of 80.2% of total exports, while other countries accounted for the rest.

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

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

Imports toilet paper to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, toilet paper imports into Spain declined. In 2020, Spain imported 40,213 tons, representing a 5.2% drop compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 42,398 tons, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 36.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 66%, equating to an annualized rate of 18.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind was characterized by a strong dominance of Portugal, whose share reached 79.3% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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, M $ US

The value of toilet paper imports into Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 75.7 million US dollars, showing a gain of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 90.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 24.0%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Portugal was the dominant supplier of toilet paper to Spain in value terms, accounting for 79.7% of total imports, with other countries sharing the remaining volume.

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

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