Market evolution: Glass preserving jars (CN 70109010) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the trade dynamics of household glass preserving jars (CN 70109010) within the European Union for the period 2015 to 2025. Drawing on available data, the analysis highlights a fundamental shift in the EU's trade position, evolving from a slight net exporter to a significant net importer. This transformation is driven by surging import volumes, particularly from Eastern European neighbors, while export growth has been more modest and concentrated in value. The period also witnessed notable market concentration shifts and significant price shocks, underscoring the product's increasing strategic sensitivity.

I. A Structural Shift: From Net Exporter to Substantial Net Importer

The decade under review saw the EU's trade in glass preserving jars undergo a profound structural transformation, characterized by a dramatic divergence between import and export trajectories.

Imports surged in value and volume, outpacing exports

EU imports of preserving jars grew exponentially, increasing by 160.2% in value (from €30.4 million to €79.0 million) and 58.6% in quantity (from 82,376 to 130,635 tonnes) between the first and last periods. In contrast, export growth, while positive, was far more moderate at 44.3% in value (from €26.8 million to €38.6 million) and 13.5% in quantity. This asymmetry directly reversed the EU's trade balance, which swung from a small deficit of €-3.6 million in 2015 to a substantial deficit of €-40.4 million by 2025.

The geographic concentration of trade flows shifted markedly

The import side became dominated by Eastern European partners, with Ukraine emerging as the premier supplier, increasing its share by 165% to €42.7 million. Conversely, imports from the Russian Federation collapsed to near-zero by 2025, likely reflecting geopolitical sanctions. On the export side, the United Kingdom became a key destination, with exports growing by 244% to €3.7 million, suggesting post-Brexit trade adjustments.

Table: Evolution of the EU's Trade Balance for Glass Preserving Jars (CN 70109010)

II. Evolving Market Concentration and Domestic Production

Behind the headline trade figures, the internal structure of the EU market and its production base also evolved, revealing increased import dependency and a possible shift towards higher-value products.

Import concentration increased, posing supply risks

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for imports by value rose from 3,240 to 3,440, indicating a slight but meaningful increase in supplier concentration. This was driven by the rising dominance of Ukraine. While the HHI remains below common thresholds for a highly concentrated market, the volatility associated with the primary supplier underscores a vulnerability.

EU production volume stagnated while its value doubled

Available production data reveals a key trend: the quantity of glass jars produced within the EU (1.53 million kg in 2025) saw negligible growth (+0.4%). However, the estimated production value soared by 107.7%, from €433 million to €900 million. This disconnect suggests either significant price inflation, a strategic shift by EU manufacturers towards more premium, higher-margin products, or both. Despite this, the surge in imports indicates that domestic production is not meeting total EU demand.

Specialization is geographically uneven within the EU

The EU's internal specialization in this product is highly concentrated. In 2025, Croatia and Bulgaria exhibited extremely high revealed comparative advantage (RCA) scores of over 19, indicating a strong export specialization. Conversely, larger economies like Germany and Italy showed low specialization, acting more as importers or hubs for other product categories. This specialization pattern may influence intra-EU supply chains and trade flows.

III. Shocks, Price Volatility, and Rising Strategic Vulnerability

The period was punctuated by significant external shocks that impacted trade flows and prices, while key indicators point to a growing strategic dependency on external suppliers for this household good.

A major price shock in 2022 highlights geopolitical vulnerability

The data detects a significant price shock event in EU imports from Ukraine in 2022. The abnormality score of 25.4 and a 63.2% price shift coincide with the period following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which severely disrupted supply chains and logistics in the region. Given Ukraine's dominant share (65.1% of import value) in that year, this shock had a systemic impact on the EU market.

EU net import reliance shifted from negative to positive

A clear indicator of the changing strategic landscape is the net import reliance metric. This measure moved from -3.7% in 2015 (indicating the EU was a slight net exporter) to +6.5% in 2025, confirming its status as a net importer. The peak of 11.0% was reached around 2022-2023. Concurrently, trade intensity nearly doubled to 16.6%, demonstrating that this product category has become significantly more integrated into, and dependent upon, international trade.

Conclusion

Between 2015 and 2025, the EU market for glass preserving jars transformed from one of near balance into a heavily import-dependent market. This shift was propelled by a surge in imports, particularly from Ukraine, and a relative stagnation in physical production volumes within the EU. While EU producers appear to have pivoted towards higher-value production, this did not offset the import demand. The market's increased reliance on a concentrated group of suppliers was starkly exposed by the 2022 price shock linked to regional conflict. These dynamics—growing import dependency, supplier concentration, and exposure to external shocks—have elevated the humble preserving jar from a simple commodity to an item with notable strategic trade considerations.