Market evolution: Firelighters and fuels (CN 3606) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyzes the trade dynamics of the European Union in products classified under customs code 3606 (firelighters, fuels for lighters, and similar combustible preparations) from 2015 to 2025. The period witnessed a significant transformation in the EU's trade position. The analysis Scope & Definitions shows the EU moved from being a net importer to achieving a net surplus in trade value. This shift was driven by a combination of strong export growth, evolving partner relationships, and structural changes within the bloc, culminating in a more autonomous and specialized market structure by the end of the period.

I. A Reversal in Trade Fortunes: From Net Deficit to Surplus

The EU's trade in CN 3606 products underwent a fundamental reversal between 2015 and 2025, moving from a position of net dependency to one of net export strength. This section details the divergent growth paths of exports and imports.

Export value grew at more than double the rate of imports

EU exports of firelighters and fuels saw explosive growth in value, increasing by 113.0% over the period, from €31.96 million in 2015 to €68.08 million in 2025. In contrast, import value grew by 39.7%, rising from €43.03 million to €60.11 million. General Overview

Volume trends diverged, highlighting efficiency gains

While export value surged, export quantity grew by only 8.2%, indicating a significant rise in the unit price of EU exports. Conversely, import volumes actually declined by 14.3%, suggesting the EU reduced its physical intake while still paying more, a pattern pointing to global price inflation and a potential shift in sourcing.

The trade balance swung from a deficit to a solid surplus

The most striking outcome was the reversal of the trade balance. In 2015, the EU ran a trade deficit of -€11.07 million. By 2025, this had transformed into a surplus of €7.96 million. This 171.9% improvement signifies a structural strengthening of the EU's competitive position in this market.

Unit prices increased substantially for both flows

Both import and export unit prices rose dramatically, reflecting broader inflationary pressures and increased costs in energy and raw materials. Import prices (EUR per tonne) increased by 63.0%, while export prices climbed by 96.9%, nearly doubling. The stronger price growth on the export side contributed directly to the improved trade balance.

II. Geographic Reorientation: New Centres of Trade

The evolution of the EU's trade was not merely a quantitative story but a geographic one. The bloc's key trading partners for CN 3606 products shifted markedly, altering supply chains and market destinations.

Imports became less concentrated on traditional partners

The concentration of imports (measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index) decreased by 28.1%, indicating a diversification of sourcing. While the United Kingdom remained the top import partner, its share declined. The most dramatic shifts were the rise of Serbia (from €1.1m to €20.2m) and Ukraine (from €0.5m to €5.4m), which became major suppliers.

Top EU import partners by value (2015 vs 2025)

Source: General Overview

Exports became more concentrated and focused on high-value markets

Export concentration increased by 40.1%, driven by a massive surge in trade with the United Kingdom. The UK became the undisputed top destination, absorbing €33.78 million in EU exports by 2025, a 162.9% increase from 2015. The United States also emerged as a key market, with exports increasing by 427.5%.

Top EU export partners by value (2015 vs 2025)

Source: General Overview

Trade was marked by significant volatility and price shocks

The period featured notable instability. The volatility (coefficient of variation) was particularly high for imports from Ukraine (0.68) and Albania (1.08). In 2022, major price shocks occurred: exports to the US saw a 51.7% price spike with high abnormality (5.3), and imports from the UK experienced a 27.0% price shock, likely linked to post-pandemic energy cost inflation and supply chain disruptions.

III. Structural Adaptation: Rising Production and Strategic Specialization

Beneath the trade figures, the EU's internal production landscape and specialisation for CN 3606 products underwent a profound transformation, underpinning the improved external performance.

EU production grew massively, enhancing self-sufficiency

EU production expanded sharply. Production quantity (in kg) increased by 85.6%, while production value soared by 202.0% to over €208 million by 2025. This expansion is the primary driver behind the reduced net import reliance, which fell from 6.2% to 1.8%, and the swing to a trade surplus.

Specialisation became geographically concentrated within the EU

The market developed a distinct internal structure. Specialisation analysis for 2025 reveals that smaller member states showed high revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in this product category. Croatia (RCA 16.18) and Greece (RCA 9.04) were highly specialised, likely focusing on niche production like resin torches and firelighters. In contrast, large economies like Italy (RCA 0.05) and Belgium (RCA 0.09) were relatively unspecialised, indicating these products were not a core focus of their broader chemical or manufacturing sectors.

Product segment analysis shows distinct pricing and volume dynamics

The CN 3606 heading bundles two main segments: 360690 (firelighters, solid fuels, pyrophoric alloys) and 360610 (liquid fuels for lighters in ≤300cc containers).

Imports: Segment 360690 dominated import volumes (21,772 tonnes vs. 2,622 tonnes for 360610 in 2025) but had a lower average price (€2,385/t vs. €3,118/t for 360610). The value growth was primarily driven by the price inflation of the high-volume 360690 segment.

Exports: EU exports were even more skewed towards segment 360690, which comprised 96% of export volume in 2025. The unit price for exported 360690 products grew dramatically from €1,427/t in 2015 to €2,911/t in 2025, a key factor in the overall trade value growth.

Conclusion

Over the 2015-2025 decade, the EU's trade in firelighters and fuels (CN 3606) was characterized by a decisive strengthening. The bloc transformed from a net importer to a net exporter in value terms, a reversal achieved through surging export values, a strategic diversification and reorientation of trade partners, and, most importantly, a major expansion of intra-EU production capacity. This led to greater market autonomy, reduced import reliance, and the emergence of specialised production niches within the Union. The period was also marked by price volatility and significant shifts in trade geography, with Serbia and Ukraine rising as key suppliers and the UK and US becoming dominant export markets. The data points to a mature, adapted industry that leveraged production growth to improve its competitive stance on the global stage.