Market evolution: Gas stoves (CN 732111) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyzes the trade evolution of domestic gas cooking appliances (Combined Nomenclature code 732111) for the European Union from 2015 to 2025. The data reveals a fundamental transformation in the EU's market position, shifting from a significant net exporter to a net importer of these products. This shift is characterized by a sharp decline in domestic production, a growing dependence on imports—particularly from China—and a restructuring of export flows towards the United States. The following sections detail these dynamics.

I. A Pivot from Net Exporter to Net Importer

Over the period, the EU's trade position for CN 732111 underwent a dramatic reversal. The Union transitioned from a comfortable trade surplus to a substantial deficit, indicating a structural change in the regional market.

The erosion of the trade surplus

The trade balance shifted from a surplus of €117.7 million in 2015 to a deficit of €229.7 million in 2025. This 295% deterioration was driven by simultaneous trends: imports grew by 45.9% in value (from €444.2m to €648.2m) while exports fell by 25.5% (from €561.9m to €418.5m).

Rising import reliance and market integration

The EU's net import reliance swung from -39.5% (indicating a net exporter) to 24.4% (a net importer). Concurrently, trade intensity (imports + exports as a share of production) more than doubled from 44.2% to 98.1%, and export propensity (exports as a share of production) rose from 38.5% to 95.6%. These metrics show the EU market became deeply integrated into global trade, with production increasingly oriented towards both serving domestic demand (via imports) and foreign markets.

II. Shifting Geographies: Dominant Suppliers and Changing Export Destinations

The origins of EU imports and the destinations of its exports were reshaped, highlighting new dependencies and the loss of traditional markets.

China's commanding and growing role in imports

China solidified its position as the primary source of EU imports. Its share of imports by value grew from €239.1 million (53.8% of total imports) in 2015 to €480.8 million (74.2%) in 2025. This 101% increase underscores a profound shift towards Asian manufacturing. Import concentration (HHI) rose by 65%, confirming this increasing reliance on a single major supplier.

Restructuring of export flows: Decline in Europe and the Middle East, growth in the US

EU exports declined significantly to several traditional partners. Shipments to the United Kingdom, the top destination in 2015, fell by 54.9% by value. Exports to Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation also saw substantial drops. In contrast, exports to the United States surged by 119.6%, growing from €38.4 million to €84.4 million, making it a crucial growth market. This reorientation suggests EU producers are focusing on higher-value segments in the US market while losing ground elsewhere.

III. The Collapse of Domestic Production and Internal EU Dynamics

The macro-level trade shifts are underpinned by a severe contraction in the EU's own manufacturing capacity for this product category.

A steep decline in EU production volumes and value

EU production of CN 732111 products collapsed. Output in number of items fell by 59.9% (from 7.16 million to 2.88 million pieces), and production value dropped by 55.3% (from €909.5m to €406.1m). This decline is the core driver behind the rising import dependence.

Re-shifting internal EU production and specialization

The production decline was not uniform. While traditional producers like Italy saw their export value halve, Poland and Spain increased their export shares. Specialization data for 2025 shows Italy retains a comparative advantage (RCA of 2.0), but the overall EU industry has shrunk. The import surge was absorbed notably by Germany and the Netherlands, which saw import values rise by 51.5% and 90.4% respectively.

Price differentials and product segment trends

An analysis of the two main sub-products reveals distinct trends. Exports of appliances with an oven (73211110) command a high unit price (€8,307/piece in 2025) but have seen volumes shrink by 71%. Exports of appliances without an oven (73211190) are also premium-priced (€10,066/piece) and have shown more resilience. Conversely, imports of the non-oven category (73211190) dominate by volume and are sourced at a much lower price (€57.8/kg), highlighting the cost-competitive pressure from imports.

Conclusion

Between 2015 and 2025, the EU market for domestic gas cooking appliances (CN 732111) underwent a fundamental restructuring. The era of the EU as a net exporter ended, replaced by one of significant net import reliance, driven by a severe contraction in domestic production. China emerged as the overwhelmingly dominant supplier. EU exports, while declining overall, reoriented sharply towards the US market, suggesting a focus on niche, high-value segments. The combination of collapsed production and surging imports points to a permanent shift in the industry's geography, with the EU now primarily a consumption rather than a production hub for these goods. The increased trade intensity and import concentration highlight new vulnerabilities in the supply chain for this product category.