France: Natural Cork Market 2025

Natural Cork Market Size in France

For the third consecutive year, the French natural cork market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 29% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption recorded a significant expansion. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Natural Cork Exports

Exports from France

In 2021, shipments abroad of natural cork debacked or roughly squared increased by 3.7% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, recorded a deep downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 196% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, natural cork exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 162%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Switzerland (X tons) was the main destination for natural cork exports from France, accounting for a 42% share of total exports. Moreover, natural cork exports to Switzerland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Africa (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Canada (X tons), with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Switzerland totaled +14.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Africa (+28.9% per year) and Canada (+44.0% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for natural cork exported from France were Japan ($X), South Africa ($X) and Canada ($X), together comprising 68% of total exports. These countries were followed by the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Portugal, Germany and Spain, which together accounted for a further 26%.

Portugal, with a CAGR of +110.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average natural cork export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 106% against the previous year. In general, the export price posted a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 124%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+14.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Natural Cork Imports

Imports into France

For the third consecutive year, France recorded growth in overseas purchases of natural cork debacked or roughly squared, which increased by 23% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 187% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, natural cork imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports posted a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 145%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Portugal (X tons), Spain (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the main suppliers of natural cork imports to France, with a combined 95% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +34.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Portugal ($X), Spain ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest natural cork suppliers to France, together accounting for 90% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Spain, with a CAGR of +30.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average natural cork import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 2.9% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average import price increased by 26%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the price for Portugal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (+37.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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