Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish water-based polymer paints and varnishes market grew consistently from 95.7 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 123.5 thousand tons in 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by stringent EU environmental regulations, particularly the VOC Directive implemented into Swedish law in 2019, which limited volatile organic compounds in paints and accelerated the shift from solvent-based to water-based products. Technological advances, including improved polymer emulsions and the market introduction of new acrylic paints with faster drying and better durability, enhanced the competitiveness of water-based formulations.

Further growth in 2021 and 2022 was supported by tighter EU labeling and safety requirements, as well as new rules targeting substances like BPA and microplastics in paints, which influenced product development and consumer choice. After reaching its highest point in 2022, the market volume contracted to 100.6 thousand tons in 2023 and fell further to 90.8 thousand tons in 2024.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sweden's production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 511.6 million US dollars, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 481.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Sweden produced 150.7 thousand tonnes of water-based polymer paints and varnishes, showing a gradual decline of 3.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest production volume was in 2018 at 137.9 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 155.9 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 3.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 13.1%.

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

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Sweden's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes have rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 92 503 tonnes, representing an 11.5% improvement over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 7.3%, with an average annual rate of 2.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 82 982 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway, Denmark, and Germany were the top contributors to Sweden's exports in volume terms. Norway accounted for 24.7% of exports, Denmark for 18.8%, and Germany for 8.9%, together making up 52.5% of total export 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 255.2 million US dollars worth of water-based polymer paints and varnishes, a notable gain of 10.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 13%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden's export structure in value terms was highly diversified. Norway accounted for 19.4% of exports, Denmark for 15.1%, and the United States for 14.4%, together representing 48.8% of total flows. The remaining 51.2% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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 polymer paints and varnishes to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached a total volume, reflecting a modest year-over-year increase of 6.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 22.7%, with an average annual rate of 7.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Finland, and Norway formed the core group for Sweden's imports in volume terms. Denmark contributed 35.2% of imports, Finland 18.2%, and Norway 15.8%, together accounting for 69.1% of total import 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 polymer paints and varnishes have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 129.8 million US dollars, showing a 4.0% improvement compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 21.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark, Germany, and Finland remained the main markets for Sweden's imports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 24.7% of imports, Germany for 19.9%, and Finland for 17.8%, jointly taking 62.4% of total import flows.

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

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