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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the market volume for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Sweden expanded by 25% to 107.4 thousand tons. This growth was primarily fueled by increased substitution of solvent-borne paints with water-based acrylic alternatives, driven by environmental and workplace safety benefits, alongside rising demand for low-VOC coatings and the emergence of new segments such as ecological and allergy-friendly paints.

The market contracted in 2020 to 96.2 thousand tons, despite ongoing regulatory initiatives to reduce the use of solvent-based paints due to fire risks and environmental impact. A recovery followed in 2021, with volume reaching 107.1 thousand tons, and a marginal increase to 110.0 thousand tons in 2022, as the industry continued to adapt to evolving regulations focused on minimizing microplastic emissions from construction paints.

A pronounced downturn began in 2023, with market volume falling sharply to 85.1 thousand tons, and a further decline to 79.2 thousand tons in 2024.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 404.8 million US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 391.5 million US dollars, which represented the largest decline of 4.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 2.9% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Sweden produced 129.6 thousand tonnes of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes, marking a gradual year-over-year drop of 5.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 3.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 121.0 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 137.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 13.5%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Sweden's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes have increased. In 2020, exports reached 74 885 tonnes, corresponding to a 10.0% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 68 069 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Poland remained the key partners for Sweden's exports in kind. Norway accounted for 24.6% of exports, Denmark for 20.7%, and Poland for 8.6%, together representing 53.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Sweden exported 172.2 million US dollars worth of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes, up by 4.9% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 8.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Poland played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Sweden in value terms. Norway accounted for 21.1% of exports, Denmark for 18.5%, and Poland for 10.0%, with their joint share reaching 49.6% of total exports.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported 101.5 thousand tonnes, amounting to a limited rise of 9.1% over the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Denmark, Finland, and Germany formed the key group of partners for Sweden's imports in kind of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes. Denmark accounted for 36.7% of imports, Finland for 17.6%, and Germany for 15.1%, jointly representing 69.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden imported 101.5 million US dollars worth, showing a 7.8% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 40.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and Finland formed the core group of markets for Sweden's imports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 27.1% of imports, Germany for 19.0%, and Finland for 18.7%, together representing 64.8% of total flows.

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

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