Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Czech market for water-based polymer paints and varnishes saw a gradual contraction in volume from over 111 000 t to around 102 000 t. This period was characterized by a strong industry shift toward environmentally friendly, water-dilutable products with minimal solvent content, driven by both consumer preference and stricter waste disposal regulations. Simultaneously, new labeling and safety requirements for paints and thinners, along with storage regulations for water-based products, introduced additional compliance costs that likely tempered market expansion.

The market rebounded to 104 000 t in 2021, supported by the entry of new players offering innovative ecological paints and continued investment in solvent-free, high-solids coatings. However, volume dropped sharply to 94 000 t in 2022 as global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices affected the availability and cost of synthetic polymers. After a further decline to 89 000 t in 2023, the market recovered to 94 000 t in 2024, reflecting an adjustment to the new cost environment and sustained demand for certified, low-VOC products.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Czechia's production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes rebounded in 2021. The output was valued at 98 486 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 28.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 4.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 76 926 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.4%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Czechia's production volume of water-based polymer paints and varnishes increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. The country produced 82 408 tonnes, which represents a 5.6% rise compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, overall production decreased by 3.2%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 76 226 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year reduction, Czechia's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes increased in 2021. The country exported 40 267 tonnes, showing a modest uptick of 2.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 39 333 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 2.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia was the leading destination for Czechia's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms, accounting for 70.4% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Czechia's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. The country exported 65.0 million US dollars, which is 21.1% higher than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 18.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 51.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Czechia's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms were Slovakia, with a 56.9% share, Germany at 18.2%, and Hungary at 6.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

Czechia's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Imports were recorded at 61 819 tonnes, showing a decrease of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 7.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources for Czechia's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in volume terms were Germany, with a 36.8% share, Italy at 11.8%, and Spain at 10.6%. These three countries together accounted for 59.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of contraction, Czechia's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms increased in 2021. The country imported approximately 209.2 million US dollars, corresponding to an uptick of 8.3% year-over-year. However, between 2018 and 2021, overall imports decreased by 4.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 193.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.0%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the primary suppliers of water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Czechia in value terms were Germany, with a 51.0% share, Italy at 10.7%, and France at 7.2%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 69.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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