Benelux: Waferboard Market 2024

Waferboard Market Size in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux waferboard market increased by 11% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after five years of decline. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a slight decline. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Waferboard Production in Benelux

In value terms, waferboard production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a noticeable setback. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Waferboard Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, exports of waferboards in Benelux skyrocketed to X cubic meters, increasing by 30% on the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 56%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, waferboard exports surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Belgium was the main exporter of waferboards in Benelux, with the volume of exports resulting at X cubic meters, which was near 80% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X cubic meters), achieving a 20% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to waferboard exports from Belgium stood at -1.3%. At the same time, the Netherlands (+16.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +16.8% from 2012-2021. The Netherlands (+15 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -15% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) remains the largest waferboard supplier in Benelux, comprising 84% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Belgium stood at -1.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per cubic meter, increasing by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a slight descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the export price increased by 18%. The level of export peaked at $X per cubic meter in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (-0.4%).

Waferboard Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, purchases abroad of waferboards increased by 32% to X cubic meters, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. Total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +9.0% 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 +63.6% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X cubic meters in 2015; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, waferboard imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% 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 +73.2% against 2015 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands represented the key importer of waferboards in Benelux, with the volume of imports accounting for X cubic meters, which was approx. 71% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X cubic meters), committing a 27% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X cubic meters) took a relatively small share of total imports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the waferboards imports, with a CAGR of +10.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Belgium (+7.1%) and Luxembourg (+3.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of the Netherlands (+6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-4.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported waferboards in Benelux, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 24% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the Netherlands stood at +7.0%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+2.2% per year) and Luxembourg (+2.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per cubic meter in 2021, rising by 6.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 36%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per cubic meter in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (-1.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform