Toughened safety glass market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for toughened safety glass in Portugal decreased from $79.9 million in 2018 to $62.9 million in 2020. The contraction was notably influenced in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and affected demand in core application sectors such as construction and automotive.

During this period, the domestic industry strengthened its production capabilities through technological advancements, notably with Vitropor becoming the first Portuguese company to implement horizontal tempering for toughened glass. European safety standards and evolving national regulations, including stricter rules for darkened car windows introduced from 2019, continued to shape product requirements and market access.

The market experienced further structural changes with the sale of Saint-Gobain's COVIPOR glass transformation business to PNI Portugal & Permanente SA in 2022, a significant consolidation move within the Portuguese glass industry, even as manufacturers focused on enhancing the safety and functional properties of their toughened glass products.

Production toughened safety glass in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's toughened safety glass production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 42 226 K $ US, representing a modest 5.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production fell by 20.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports toughened safety glass from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal's exports of toughened safety glass reached 1 894 t, down 13.1% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 24.3%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.9%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, at 16.5%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2020, at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's export destinations for toughened safety glass remained highly diversified. France accounted for 19.7% of exports in kind, Spain for 14.3%, and Angola for 12.5%, together making up 46.6% of total flows. The remaining 53.4% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's cross-border shipments of toughened safety glass declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports were valued at 8 213 K $ US, indicating a substantial 15.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the country breakdown of Portugal's toughened safety glass exports in value terms was scattered. France represented 22.5% of exports in value terms, Angola 13.0%, and Spain 11.5%, together accounting for just 47.0% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant during this period.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports toughened safety glass to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Portugal's imports of toughened safety glass increased in 2021, reaching 8 369 t, a strong 14.1% improvement over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 28.7%, with a CAGR of -10.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 7 334 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, China, and Slovakia were the top suppliers of toughened safety glass to Portugal in terms of volume. Spain accounted for 38.2% of imports in kind, China for 35.8%, and Slovakia for 3.4%, with their combined share reaching 77.4% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, Portugal's imports of toughened safety glass increased in 2021, with a value of 30 495 K $ US, remaining virtually unchanged compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 20.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 7.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 30 390 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Spain, China, and Hungary—together absorbed 63.1% of the total value of toughened safety glass imports to Portugal.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021