Toilet paper, tissues and towels market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market began a transformation as households shifted from two-ply to three-ply toilet paper, which became the new standard, and the facial wet wipes segment saw rapid growth, attracting new users. These trends contributed to a market volume of 55.5 thousand tons. The volume temporarily dipped to 48.2 thousand tons in 2019 but recovered to 58.6 thousand tons in 2020.

Following a slight contraction to 57.7 thousand tons in 2021, the market expanded to 61.2 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was supported by the introduction of new products such as wet toilet paper specifically for men and half-sheet kitchen towels launched by Moracell. The influence of ultra-low-cost retail chains also affected market accessibility and consumption patterns.

The market continued its upward trajectory, reaching 66.4 thousand tons in 2023 and 73.9 thousand tons in 2024. Consumer preference for three-ply toilet paper remained strong, while interest in wet toilet paper grew, albeit from a smaller base. Although manufacturers announced price increases across the hygiene paper assortment in response to rising raw material, energy, and transport costs, market volume increased, partly due to competitive pressure among producers and retailers striving to maintain affordability.

Production toilet paper, tissues and towels in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovakia's production of toilet paper, tissues, and towels declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 214.7 million US dollars, down 3.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 7.4%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 247.5 million US dollars, which saw a 6.7% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 10.0% decrease.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After two years of decline, Slovakia's production volume of toilet paper, tissues, and towels increased. In 2020, 137.1 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a 1.6% year-on-year advance. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 10.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 135.0 thousand tonnes, which saw an 8.8% drop.

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

Exports toilet paper, tissues and towels from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K t

Slovakia's exports of toilet paper, tissues, and towels declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 109.5 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest 6.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 13.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Austria, and Germany consistently led Slovakia's export structure in volume terms. Czechia accounted for 38.9% of exports, Austria for 14.7%, and Germany for 14.2%, together making up 67.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's exports of toilet paper, tissues, and towels declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 171.1 million US dollars, down 9.5% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15.2%, with an annualized decline of 5.3%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Czechia, Germany, and Austria formed the main cluster of markets for Slovakia's exports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 36.1% of exports, Germany for 16.0%, and Austria for 14.7%, together representing 66.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports toilet paper, tissues and towels to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K t

Slovakia's imports of toilet paper, tissues, and towels increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 30.9 thousand tonnes, up 3.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 6.6%, with an annualized increase of 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the main sources for Slovakia's imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 26.0% of imports, Poland for 24.5%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 9.9%, together making up 60.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Slovakia's imports of toilet paper, tissues, and towels declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 53.5 million US dollars, down 2.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.5%, with an average annual growth of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 54.8 million US dollars, following a 6.3% increase in 2018.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Poland, and Czechia were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of Slovakia's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 29.7% of imports, Poland for 20.2%, and Czechia for 8.4%, together representing 58.3% of total flows.

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

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