Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch market for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints saw substantial shifts. Market volume in physical terms increased from 91.7 thousand tons to 121.4 thousand tons, despite a slight dip to 89.7 thousand tons in 2019. Market value, however, grew consistently from 401.7 million US dollars to 473.5 million US dollars, reflecting a move toward higher-value products. This transition was propelled by stringent European and Dutch VOC regulations, in force since January 1, 2011, which limited solvent use and accelerated the adoption of water-based alternatives. Consumer preferences simultaneously shifted toward eco-friendly paints due to lower VOC emissions and better indoor air quality, while government initiatives promoting sustainable construction boosted demand in the building sector.

In the following years, regulatory pressure continued to steer the market. Further tightening of environmental rules and the upcoming amendment to the Waste Reporting Decision effective July 1, 2025, reinforced the shift to water-based and solvent-free coatings. Innovations in acrylic emulsions enhanced product durability and adhesion, and new segments such as solvent-free 3D printing paints emerged. The construction sector's push for low-VOC paints and growing interest in bio‑based raw materials like linseed oil supported ongoing demand through 2022.

Trade figures from 2021 to 2025 show varying import and export volumes for water‑based acrylic or vinyl paints, indicating the market's ongoing adaptation to evolving regulatory standards and sustained focus on sustainable paint solutions.

Production water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands has seen its production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes grow for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 606.4 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 7.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production rose by 11.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 168.5 thousand tonnes of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes, representing a significant rise of 16.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production increased by 13.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 145.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.5% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from the Netherlands have rebounded. In 2021, exports reached 120.6 thousand tonnes, up by 17.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 2.7%, with an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 102.7 thousand tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 6.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom remained the top buyers of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from the Netherlands. Belgium accounted for 20.5% of exports in kind, Germany for 17.1%, and the United Kingdom for 14.6%. Together, these three countries represented 52.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from the Netherlands have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 339.7 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial rise of 24.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 21.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 253.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the partner structure for exports in value terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Belgium contributed 19.3% of exports in value terms, Germany 15.4%, and the United Kingdom 12.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 46.7% of total export flows, with many other countries making up the remaining 53.3%.

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

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

Imports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes into the Netherlands have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 62.1 thousand tonnes, an increase of 11.7% from the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 54.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During 2018–2021, Germany, Belgium, and France were the primary suppliers of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 55.7% of imports in kind, Belgium for 23.2%, and France for 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 85.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes into the Netherlands have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value totaled 186.2 million US dollars, which is 33.3% higher year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 34.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 126.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and France were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to the Netherlands. Germany accounted for 50.4% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 25.8%, and France for 5.9%. Combined, these three countries held an 82.0% share of total import flows.

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

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