Veneer sheets market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak market for veneer sheets contracted sharply from 29 141 thousand dollars in 2018 to 21 654 thousand dollars in 2019, then stabilized at 21 840 thousand dollars in 2020. The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains but also accelerated a consumer shift toward sustainable materials, which supported demand for eco-friendly wood products. Domestic production volume fell from 6 229 thousand dollars in 2018 to 3 360 thousand dollars in 2020.

Import values dropped in 2019 but recovered strongly from 2021, peaking at 51 407 thousand dollars in 2022 before moderating to 41 569 thousand dollars in 2024. Exports grew significantly after 2020, reaching 41 895 thousand dollars in 2022. Environmental trends and a focus on sustainability continued to influence consumer preferences. In 2024, new regulations took effect: the Consumer Protection Act required clearer product information, packaging rules restricted certain plastics and fillers affecting distribution, and VAT amendments altered registration and self-assessment procedures for imports.

The product range expanded with the emergence of new plywood segments featuring enhanced surface treatments and improved moisture resistance, broadening the options available for construction and interior applications.

Production veneer sheets in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovakia's veneer sheets production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 3,360 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 35.7% from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 46.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 18.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

World map of production of veneer sheets, 2017-2020

Slovakia's veneer sheets production fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 7 thousand cubic meters were produced, representing a significant decline of 18.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production decreased by 62.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports veneer sheets from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K m³

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 111 thousand cubic meters, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 565.3%. In 2020, veneer sheets deliveries from Slovakia amounted to 24 thousand cubic meters, corresponding to a substantial drop of 12.4% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 75.1%, and the span from 2017 to 2018 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 6.7 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Italy were the principal buyers of veneer sheets from Slovakia, accounting for 56.2%, 17.8%, and 6.0% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 79.9% of total exports in kind.

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, K $ US

Slovakia's veneer sheets exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 17,268 thousand US dollars, showing a slight gain of 0.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 15.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.8%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Czechia were the primary buyers of veneer sheets from Slovakia in value terms. Germany accounted for 39.3% of exports, Austria for 10.6%, and Czechia for 9.1%, jointly representing 58.9% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports veneer sheets to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K m³

Veneer sheets deliveries to Slovakia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 29 thousand cubic meters, which is 48.7% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 98.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 73.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Italy concentrated most of the imports in kind, taking 77.7% of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented tail.

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, K $ US

In 2020, the volume of veneer sheets imports to Slovakia stood at 35,748 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate uptick of 6.5% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 33,582 thousand US dollars, and the maximum value was in 2018 at 39,590 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 17.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of veneer sheets to Slovakia were distributed across a large number of markets. Ukraine, Czechia, and Hungary were key contributors, accounting for 18.6%, 13.4%, and 13.2% of imports in value, respectively, but together they represented only 45.2% 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