Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in the Netherlands rose from 168.9 thousand tons to 199.9 thousand tons, driving market size growth from 99.6 thousand tons to 145.7 thousand tons. Import volumes varied between 71.1 and 77.4 thousand tons, while exports decreased from 146.7 thousand tons to 128.0 thousand tons over the three-year period.

Supply chain pressures emerged in 2021, as major producer AkzoNobel faced expensive, missing, or delayed raw material deliveries, which constrained domestic production and contributed to a sharp increase in imports to 96.2 thousand tons. In 2022, sustainability became a decisive purchase factor, with 82% of painters preferring eco-friendly products, reinforcing a market shift toward greener offerings. By 2023, the quick-drying paint segment exhibited substantial expansion, fueled by product innovations and price-stabilization tactics such as Sikkens offering exterior paint at 2022 price points.

Sustainability maintained its dominant role in 2024, coupled with growing emphasis on branding and purchasing channels, including the influence of digital natives. Import volumes dipped to 72.2 thousand tons in 2024 but recovered to 76.5 thousand tons in 2025, while exports stabilized in the range of 127–131 thousand tons, reflecting a steadier trade pattern.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in the Netherlands has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 711.8 million US dollars, marking a moderate 5.6% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production rose by 9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

The volume of water-based polymer paints and varnishes produced in the Netherlands has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production totaled 199.9 thousand tonnes, up 13.2% from 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, production grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

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

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, the Netherlands' exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes rebounded in volume. In 2021, export volume reached 151.0 thousand tonnes, showing a strong 18.0% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 2.9%, with an average annual growth of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 128.0 thousand tonnes, following a 7.4% drop in 2019.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the top destinations for the Netherlands' water-based polymer paints and varnishes exports by volume were Belgium (19.5% of total), Germany (18.6%), and the United Kingdom (12.9%). Together, these three countries accounted for 51.0% of all export flows.

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

The value of the Netherlands' water-based polymer paints and varnishes exports has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 475.0 million US dollars, reflecting a steep 26.5% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 363.4 million US dollars, after a 9.6% decline that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (17.5% of export value), Belgium (17.4%), and France (10.7%) were the largest buyers of water-based polymer paints and varnishes from the Netherlands. However, their combined share was 45.5% of total export value, indicating a diversified country structure.

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 polymer paints and varnishes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes into the Netherlands have grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volume reached 92.5 thousand tonnes, surging 30.2% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 24.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.5%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 71.1 thousand tonnes, after an 8.2% decline that year.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany (45.4% of import volume), Belgium (21.7%), and France (9.0%) accounted for the largest share of water-based polymer paints and varnishes imports into the Netherlands, together making up 76.0% of total flows.

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

The value of water-based polymer paints and varnishes imports into the Netherlands has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 284.8 million US dollars, up 41.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 34.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 191.0 million US dollars, following a 9.7% drop that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and France together absorbed 75.7% of the total value of water-based polymer paints and varnishes imported into the Netherlands.

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

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