Market evolution: Plaiting materials and plaits (CN 4601) — 2015–2025

Introduction

The EU market for plaiting materials and plaits (CN 4601) experienced significant growth and structural change between 2015 and 2025. This report analyzes the evolution of intra-EU trade, highlighting a period of robust import expansion, shifting trade partnerships, and evolving product composition. Throughout the period, the EU maintained a high degree of import reliance, with China consistently dominating supply. However, the data reveals a diversification trend in sourcing and a dynamic export sector facing distinct pressures and opportunities.

1. A Decade of Robust Import Growth and Persistent Trade Deficit

The EU's trade in CN 4601 products was characterized by a substantial increase in both import and export values, cementing the Union's position as a major net importer. Total imports grew by 34.5% in value, rising from €70.1 million in 2015 to €94.2 million in 2025. This expansion was driven by even stronger growth in volume, with import quantities increasing by 61.0% from 39,756 tonnes to 64,004 tonnes. The trade deficit consequently widened from €58.3 million to €78.4 million, underscoring the EU's structural dependence on external suppliers. More details on the general trade overview.

The Import-Export Gap Widened Despite Parallel Growth

While both imports and exports grew, the scale of the two flows remained vastly different. In 2025, import value was nearly six times larger than export value (€94.2 million vs. €15.8 million). Exports also saw significant growth, increasing by 34.6% in value (from €11.8 million to €15.8 million) and 59.7% in quantity (from 2,441 to 3,898 tonnes). This parallel growth in both directions suggests an integrated market where the EU both consumes imported inputs or finished goods and re-exports or exports its own production. The persistence and slight widening of the trade deficit indicate that domestic production did not keep pace with consumption demand over the decade.

A Convergence of Declining Unit Prices

A key driver of the growth in traded volumes was a sustained decline in average unit prices for both imports and exports. The average import price fell by 16.5% from €1,762 per tonne in 2015 to €1,472 per tonne in 2025. Similarly, the average export price decreased by 15.7%, from €4,819 to €4,061 per tonne. This price compression, occurring alongside volume increases, points to factors such as intensified global competition, economies of scale in major exporting countries, and potentially a shift in the product mix towards lower-value items. More information on these trends can be found in the product segment breakdown.

2. Shifting Trade Partnerships and Growing Import Concentration

The geographical landscape of EU trade in CN 4601 products underwent a notable transformation. While China solidified its position as the dominant import partner, several new and smaller suppliers experienced explosive growth, indicating diversification efforts or niche market developments. On the export side, the EU's customer base shifted significantly, with traditional partners losing ground and new markets gaining prominence.

China's Dominance and the Rise of New Import Suppliers

China remained the overwhelmingly largest source of EU imports, with its share of import value growing from €51.5 million (73.6%) in 2015 to €67.6 million (71.7%) in 2025, a 31.1% increase. However, the most dramatic changes occurred among smaller suppliers. Imports from India surged by 760.3% (from €0.95 million to €8.2 million), while those from Madagascar grew by 323.3% and from Ukraine by an extraordinary 185,023% (from a negligible €912 to €1.69 million). This diversification, away from sole reliance on China, is a key feature of the period. The top import partners data details this shift.

Divergent Export Destinations: A Story of Re-orientation

EU exports flowed to a changing set of partners. The United Kingdom solidified its position as the top export market, with shipments more than tripling in value to €3.66 million (+206.4%). Conversely, exports to Tunisia collapsed by 87.7% (from €2.59 million to €0.32 million). Significant growth was recorded for Türkiye (+192.2%) and Norway (+111.2%), while exports to China remained relatively stable. This re-orientation likely reflects post-Brexit trade dynamics, evolving demand in neighboring regions, and competitive shifts. The full picture of export partners is detailed in the data.

3. Product Composition, Market Specialization, and Volatility Risks

The analysis of product sub-segments reveals a clear dominance of vegetable materials, while market concentration and volatility metrics point to structural risks and specific EU competitive advantages. The EU's internal production remained stable in quantity but grew in value, suggesting a move towards higher-value-added manufacturing.

Vegetable Mats and Screens Dominate the Import Basket

A breakdown of imports by product sub-code shows that "Mats, matting and screens, of vegetable plaiting materials" (460129) was the largest category by value, accounting for €36.4 million (38.7% of total imports) in 2025. "Plaiting materials, plaits and similar products of non-vegetable plaiting materials" (460199) was the second-largest category at €17.0 million. Bamboo mats (460121) were also a major import item. This composition indicates strong EU demand for finished or semi-finished decorative and functional items made from natural materials. Detailed segment data is available in the product segment breakdown.

EU Specialization is Concentrated in a Few Member States

The EU's export profile in this sector is highly specialized within a few member states. In 2025, Greece exhibited the highest Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) score (0.54), followed by France (0.45) and Spain (0.33). These countries, along with the Netherlands and Poland, demonstrated a significant specialization in producing and exporting these goods. In contrast, many member states like Ireland, Cyprus, and Finland had near-zero or negative RSCA scores, indicating they are net importers or have negligible activity in this sector. This intra-EU specialization is further detailed in the market structure analysis.

Supply Chain Concentration and Price Shocks Pose Vulnerability Risks

The EU's import market shows moderate concentration, with the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import value declining slightly from 5,602 to 5,265 between 2015 and 2025. While diversification is occurring, reliance on China remains a key vulnerability. The volatility analysis underscores specific risks: imports from partners like Albania and Morocco exhibited very high volatility (coefficient of variation >0.73). On the export side, significant price shocks were detected, notably a 57.1% increase in unit prices for exports to Switzerland in 2022 and a 189.2% surge for exports to Türkiye in 2017. These events highlight the sensitivity of EU exporters to market-specific disruptions. Explore these dynamics in the volatility and shocks section.

Conclusion

Over the 2015-2025 period, the EU market for plaiting materials and plaits expanded significantly, underpinned by volume-driven import growth and declining unit prices. The Union's trade deficit widened, reflecting strong consumer demand met predominantly by foreign suppliers, led by China but with emerging contributions from India, Ukraine, and Madagascar. Export growth, while robust, remained an order of magnitude smaller, with a reorientation towards the UK, Switzerland, and Norway. Domestically, production quantity was stable while value increased, and export specialization was concentrated in southern and eastern EU member states. Looking ahead, the market's health will depend on managing supply chain concentration risks, navigating price volatility, and leveraging EU specializations to capture value in both traditional and emerging export markets.