Benelux: Wadding Market 2025

Wadding Market Size in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux wadding market decreased by -19.1% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then dropped markedly in the following year.

Wadding Production in Benelux

In value terms, wadding production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 26%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Wadding Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, shipments abroad of wadding increased by 14% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 23% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, wadding exports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) represented the largest exporter of wadding, making up 81% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), mixing up a 19% share of total exports.

Exports from the Netherlands increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Belgium (+5.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Belgium emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +5.9% from 2012-2021. While the share of Belgium (+2.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of the Netherlands (-1.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest wadding supplier in Benelux, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 15% share of total exports.

In the Netherlands, wadding exports increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the export price increased by 7.1%. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, 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 Belgium (+0.7%).

Wadding Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, purchases abroad of wadding increased by 23% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after six years of decline. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 34% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, wadding imports rose rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 45%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands represented the major importer of wadding in Benelux, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 62% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons) and Luxembourg (X tons), together constituting a 38% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Luxembourg (with a CAGR of +7.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported wadding in Benelux, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 29% share of total imports.

In the Netherlands, wadding imports shrank by an average annual rate of -9.1% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Belgium (+3.1% per year) and Luxembourg (+7.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -14.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 8.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (+0.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform