Benelux: Natural Polymers Market 2025

Natural Polymers Market Size in Benelux

After two years of decline, the Benelux natural polymers market increased by 0.6% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption, however, recorded a noticeable downturn. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Natural Polymers Production in Benelux

In value terms, natural polymers production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 23% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Natural Polymers Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in overseas shipments of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms, when their volume decreased by -1.4% to X tons. Overall, exports, however, posted resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 41% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then fell slightly in the following year.

In value terms, natural polymers exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 38%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands represented the key exporter of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms in Benelux, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was near 84% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), committing a 16% share of total exports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms exports, with a CAGR of +13.8% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium (-5.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The Netherlands (+35 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -35.4% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest natural polymers supplier in Benelux, comprising 67% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 33% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the Netherlands totaled +16.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+7.3%).

Natural Polymers Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, supplies from abroad of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms decreased by -6.9% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Total imports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +45.3% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 25%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, natural polymers imports shrank notably to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +53.6% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 44%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then declined rapidly in the following year.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the main importer of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms in Benelux, with the volume of imports reaching X tons, which was near 61% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), making up a 38% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +7.7%).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) and Belgium ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021.

Among the main importing countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +13.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -9% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 21%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+5.1%).

Source: IndexBox Platform