Market evolution: Glass fibres (CN 7019) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the evolution of European Union trade in glass fibres and articles thereof (Combined Nomenclature code 7019) over the decade from 2015 to 2025. The data covers trade flows between the EU and non-EU countries, providing insights into export and import values, volumes, prices, key partners, and underlying market structure. The period under review was marked by significant growth in EU export competitiveness, a notable shift in import sourcing, and substantial price volatility, all underpinned by a dramatic expansion in EU production capacity. The findings are based exclusively on the provided data, with objective interpretations of the observed trends.

1. Robust export growth outpaces imports, signaling a strengthening competitive position

The EU's trade in glass fibres demonstrated vigorous growth over the period, with exports rising more strongly than imports in value terms, leading to a reduction in the trade deficit. This section examines the overall scale and structure of these flows.

1.1. Export value growth significantly outpaced import value growth, narrowing the trade deficit

The EU's trade balance in glass fibres with the world remained in deficit throughout the period. However, the deficit's magnitude varied considerably. Starting at approximately €289 million in 2015, it peaked at a severe deficit of nearly €786 million in 2021 before recovering to about €322 million in 2025. This recovery was driven by the relative performance of exports versus imports.

While the absolute deficit in 2025 is larger than in 2015, the trend since the 2021 peak shows a clear improvement. The more dynamic growth in exports indicates an enhanced EU competitive position over the long term (General Overview).

1.2. Divergent trends in volume and price reveal underlying market dynamics

The story of value growth is composed of changes in both quantity (volume) traded and the price per tonne. For exports and imports, these two components moved differently.

A clear divergence emerges. EU export growth was primarily price-driven (+26.2%), with modest volume growth (+5.5%). Conversely, EU import growth was primarily volume-driven (+31.6%), with prices actually declining slightly. This suggests the EU moved towards exporting higher-value glass fibre products while importing larger volumes of more commoditized or cost-competitive goods (General Overview).

1.3. Germany remained the EU's dominant exporter and importer, though its import share declined

Within the EU, trade was concentrated among a few major member states. Germany was the leading exporter and importer, followed by France, Italy, and Belgium. Notably, while Germany's export value grew by 38.7%, its import value declined slightly by 4.1%. In contrast, countries like Italy (+52.8%), France (+36.2%), and especially Poland (+107.4%) saw very strong growth in their imports, reflecting shifting internal demand or re-export patterns. On the export side, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Czechia showed the strongest growth (Top Reporters by Value).

2. Import sourcing diversifies away from traditional partners, while export markets deepen

The geographical pattern of EU trade in glass fibres underwent a significant transformation, with a notable shift in import sources and a consolidation of key export markets.

2.1. China consolidated its position as the top import source, while Egypt emerged as a major supplier

China was the EU's largest source of glass fibre imports throughout the period. Its imports grew by 30.0% in value, though their share of total imports fluctuated. More dramatically, imports from Egypt surged by 197.3% in value, making it the second-largest supplier by 2025, up from a much smaller base. This highlights a strategic diversification of EU supply chains. Other notable trends include a strong increase in imports from Türkiye (+72.1%) and a decline from the United States (-31.0%). The concentration of import sources, measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), fell from 1,304 in 2015 to 1,022 in 2025, indicating a less concentrated and more diversified sourcing base (Top Partners by Value (Imports)).

2.2. The United States and Türkiye became the EU's primary growth export markets

EU export growth was fueled by strong demand in specific third-country markets. The United States and Türkiye were the standout performers. Exports to the US grew by 20.3% in value to become the largest non-EU market, while exports to Türkiye nearly doubled (+92.6%). Exports to China also showed impressive growth (+78.9%). This growth in key markets, alongside stable demand from the UK and Switzerland, underpinned the overall rise in EU export values. The export HHI also decreased (from 1,015 to 902), suggesting a moderately more diversified export portfolio (Top Partners by Value (Exports)).

2.3. Intra-EU specialization patterns are pronounced, with specific members leading in niche products

Analysis of the EU's internal market structure reveals distinct specializations. In 2025, Latvia showed the highest Relative Specialization (RSCA) in glass fibres exports, followed by Czechia and Finland. These countries likely host production facilities focused on specific product segments for export. Conversely, countries like Malta, Cyprus, and Greece had near-zero specialization, indicating they are primarily importers for domestic consumption. This specialization supports the efficient integrated supply chain within the EU single market (Most Specialised Reporters).

3. Price shocks and product mix shifts define the latter period

The period was characterized by significant price volatility, particularly from 2021 onwards, and a structural shift in the composition of EU trade at the product level.

3.1. Global supply disruptions triggered sharp price shocks in 2022, particularly from Egypt and Bahrain

Several extreme price shock events were detected in the data. The most notable were price shocks in imports from Egypt and Bahrain centered in 2022. These events show abnormal price shifts (over 42%) and high volatility coefficients for these partners. Similar price volatility was observed in exports to Serbia. These shocks align with the period of global supply chain disruptions and energy price spikes following 2021, impacting the cost of glass fibre inputs and products (Top Shock Events).

3.2. The product mix of trade evolved, with "n.e.s." articles and glass wool gaining prominence

A breakdown by product sub-codes reveals a shift in the traded mix. For both imports and exports, the category 701990 ("Glass fibres and articles thereof, n.e.s.") consistently represented the largest share by value, indicating high-value, finished articles. Notably, for imports, 701980 ("Glass wool and articles of glass wool") became a significant category from 2022 onwards, with volumes averaging around 65,000 tonnes and high value. On the export side, 701971 ("Thin sheets 'veils' of glass fibres") emerged as a major high-value export product from 2022. This product-level shift supports the interpretation of the EU specializing in higher-value-added products (Product Segment Breakdown).

3.3. EU production volumes and values expanded massively, underpinning export growth

The data on EU production reveals a transformative expansion. Reported production quantity increased by 333.8% (from 493 million kg to 2.14 billion kg) and production value surged by 667.5% (from €675 million to €5.18 billion) between the first and last reported periods. This immense growth in domestic production capacity is the fundamental factor enabling the strong export performance and is a testament to significant investment in the EU glass fibre sector. It also explains the EU's improving trade balance and ability to service growing global demand (Production Volumes).

Conclusion

Over the 2015–2025 decade, the EU's glass fibres market underwent a profound transformation. The period culminated in a strengthened EU competitive stance, characterized by booming production, robust export growth driven by higher prices and key markets like the USA and Türkiye, and a more diversified import sourcing strategy that saw the rise of suppliers like Egypt. While the trade balance remains in deficit, it has improved significantly from its 2021 trough. The market navigated severe price shocks in 2022 and exhibited a clear shift towards higher-value finished articles in both its export and import baskets. The underlying story is one of industrial expansion and strategic adaptation, positioning the EU as a major and increasingly competitive global player in the glass fibres industry.