Benelux: Market for Polyethylene in Primary Forms 2024

Market Size for Polyethylene in Primary Forms in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux polyethylene in primary forms market decreased by -65.4% to $X, falling for the fourth year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt decrease. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Polyethylene in Primary Forms in Benelux

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms production declined dramatically to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a noticeable decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 6.8%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Polyethylene in Primary Forms

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, the amount of polyethylene in primary forms exported in Benelux fell to X tons, remaining stable against the previous year. Total exports indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +44.9% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 46% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then contracted slightly in the following year.

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Belgium was the key exporter of polyethylene in primary forms in Benelux, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 66% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), generating a 33% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +1.5%).

In value terms, the largest polyethylene in primary forms supplying countries in Benelux were Belgium ($X) and the Netherlands ($X).

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +2.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 47% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+0.7%).

Imports of Polyethylene in Primary Forms

Imports in Benelux

For the third year in a row, Benelux recorded growth in overseas purchases of polyethylene in primary forms, which increased by 12% to X tons in 2021. Total imports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +74.5% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, polyethylene in primary forms imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports posted a slight increase. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Imports by Country

Belgium was the largest importer of polyethylene in primary forms in Benelux, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was near 69% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), mixing up a 29% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

Imports into Belgium increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Luxembourg (+7.7%) and the Netherlands (+2.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Luxembourg emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +7.7% from 2012-2021. While the share of Belgium (-2.5 p.p.) decreased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported polyethylene in primary forms in Benelux, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 31% share of total imports.

In Belgium, polyethylene in primary forms imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+1.9% per year) and Luxembourg (+6.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (-0.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform