Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Denmark was shaped by stringent VOC regulations and a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products. These factors stimulated demand for low-VOC and water-based formulations, driving market volume up to 46 903 t in 2019. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced global supply chain disruptions, which reduced physical availability to 45 281 t but pushed the market toward higher-value sustainable paints, leading to increased market value of 134.7 million $ US.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market volume contracted significantly, dropping from 33 999 t to 31 188 t. This decline was primarily driven by persistent global logistics challenges and rising raw material costs, which constrained production and imports. During the same period, regulatory enforcement of VOC limits and labeling rules continued, while manufacturers expanded offerings of plant-based and biodegradable paints, reflecting sustained consumer interest in healthier indoor environments.

In the following years, the market experienced further volatility. After a minor recovery to 31 756 t in 2023, volume plunged to 18 040 t in 2024, marking the lowest point in the observed period. The corresponding market value fell from 100.9 million $ US to 89.6 million $ US, indicating ongoing pressures on both volume and price levels.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Denmark has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 175.5 million US dollars, showing a gradual rise of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 167.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 1.5% occurring that same year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark's production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 60 129 tonnes, marking a decrease of 1.2% from the previous year. The highest output was in 2019 at 64 256 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 6.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020 with a decline of 5.3%.

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

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

Denmark's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume totaled 60 795 tonnes, up by 20.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 23.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Sweden, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main markets for Denmark's exports in kind. Sweden accounted for 34.4% of exports, Poland for 22.6%, and the Netherlands for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented 64.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Denmark have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 153.6 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 26.6% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 118.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Poland, and Germany were the principal destinations for Denmark's exports in value terms. Sweden made up 27.4% of exports, Poland 18.5%, and Germany 9.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, Denmark's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes declined. In 2021, imports stood at 34 664 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 10.7%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The peak was in 2020 at 34 799 tonnes, with the largest increase of 7.7% occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Sweden, Germany, and Norway were the key partners for Denmark's imports in kind. Sweden contributed 44.1% of imports, Germany 21.9%, and Norway 12.3%. Together, these three countries represented 78.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Denmark's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 104.3 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial improvement of 19.6% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 25.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 81.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Sweden, Germany, and Norway played leading roles in Denmark's imports in value terms. Sweden accounted for 42.3% of imports, Germany for 20.5%, and Norway for 12.1%. Collectively, these three countries took 74.8% of total import flows.

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

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