Scandinavia: Flax Fiber Market 2025

Flax Fiber Market Size in Scandinavia

The Scandinavia flax fiber market soared to $X in 2022, surging by 27% against the previous year. In general, consumption saw a tangible expansion. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Flax Fiber Production in Scandinavia

In value terms, flax fiber production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -0.4% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 21%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of flax fiber production was Finland (X tons), accounting for 73% of total volume. Moreover, flax fiber production in Finland exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Sweden (X tons), fivefold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in Finland totaled +3.9%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Sweden (-6.6% per year) and Norway (+828.7% per year).

The average flax fiber yield soared to X tons per ha in 2022, rising by 15% against the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the flax fiber yield hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of flax fiber production in Scandinavia was estimated at X ha, remaining stable against 2021 figures. Overall, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to flax fiber production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Flax Fiber Exports

Exports in Scandinavia

In 2022, shipments abroad of flax fiber decreased by -1.6% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports saw a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 50% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, flax fiber exports rose modestly to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted a mild expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 78% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Norway (X tons) was the key exporter of flax fiber, achieving 81% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Sweden (X tons), making up a 17% share of total exports. Finland (X kg) held a little share of total exports.

Norway was also the fastest-growing in terms of the flax fiber exports, with a CAGR of +19.8% from 2012 to 2022. Sweden (-17.0%) and Finland (-40.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Norway increased by +78 percentage points.

In value terms, Norway ($X) remains the largest flax fiber supplier in Scandinavia, comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Sweden ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Norway stood at +32.2%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Sweden (-9.3% per year) and Finland (-28.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Scandinavia amounted to $X per ton, rising by 4.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 64% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Norway ($X per ton), while Finland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Finland (+19.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Flax Fiber Imports

Imports in Scandinavia

Flax fiber imports skyrocketed to X tons in 2022, rising by 44% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports enjoyed prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 123% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, flax fiber imports contracted slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Finland prevails in imports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 87% of total imports in 2022. Sweden (X tons) took a 7.7% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Norway (5.8%).

Finland was also the fastest-growing in terms of the flax fiber imports, with a CAGR of +14.9% from 2012 to 2022. Norway (-4.0%) and Sweden (-4.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Finland increased by +35 percentage points.

In value terms, Finland ($X), Sweden ($X) and Norway ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022.

Among the main importing countries, Finland, with a CAGR of +3.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Scandinavia stood at $X per ton in 2022, which is down by -33.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Sweden ($X per ton), while Finland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (+1.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform