Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Ireland expanded in value from $44.9 million in 2018 to $65.8 million in 2022, peaking at $60.0 million in 2020. In physical volume, the market reached 28.4 thousand tonnes in 2020 before settling at 24.4 thousand tonnes in 2021, with production and trade flows showing variability throughout the period.

Regulatory developments emerged as a key influence, notably with Ireland's adoption of the European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2024. These rules, effective from August 2, 2024, tightened label and emission controls for paints, reinforcing the EU's Directive 2004/42/EC that limits volatile organic compound content. This regulatory push steered consumer preference towards low-VOC water-based formulations. Furthermore, Ireland's role as a major export destination for UK-produced paints, accounting for 27% of UK exports in 2024, underscored the market's integration within regional trade dynamics.

Production water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Ireland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Ireland's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes experienced a decline. In 2020, output was valued at 37 874 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 21.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 39 415 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a 15.7% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of expansion, Ireland's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in physical terms saw a downturn. In 2020, the country produced 14 089 tonnes, showing a moderate year-on-year decline of 5.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 14 960 tonnes, and the most significant increase was also in 2019, at 15.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Ireland's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes amounted to 8 670 tonnes, reflecting a limited increase of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 8 325 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 12 834 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 35.1% drop, and the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 40.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom served as the primary export partner for Ireland in terms of physical volume, accounting for 95.2% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Ireland's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes reached 16 201 thousand US dollars, indicating a modest advance of 1.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 15 937 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 25 291 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019 with a 37.0% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 43.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom effectively dominated Ireland's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms, capturing 91.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Ireland's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes totaled 23 009 tonnes, reflecting an abrupt increase of 25.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 18.5%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 5.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 281 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in that same year with a 10.0% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom played a leading role in Ireland's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in physical terms, holding an 83.5% share of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Ireland's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes was recorded at 38 320 thousand US dollars, constituting a significant increase of 24.7% over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 18.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 30 733 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in that year with a 9.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the dominant supplier of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Ireland in value terms, accounting for 75.4% of total imports, while other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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