Germany Outstrips Other EU Countries In Paints And Varnishes Consumption

With nearly 1.12 million tonnes of paints and varnishes sold in 2013, Germany became the EU leading consuming country. Per capita consumption in Germany was estimated at 13.6 kg/year, slightly higher than the EU average (12.2 kg/year).

This country held a 18% share of total EU market, followed by Italy (14%), the UK (12%), France (12%) and Spain (10%), together accounting for approximately 66% of total EU consumption in 2013. These countries were also the leading producers of paints and varnishes in the EU. 

In 2013, EU paints and varnishes consumption decreased by 1%. While positive annual growth rates of consumption in 2007-2013 were registered in Estonia with 13.7% growth, Slovakia and Austria, with 5.4% and 3.7% growth, respectively, the balance of the other countries showed negative dynamics.

In Estonia, paints and varnishes consumption grew rapidly in recent years. In 2013, Romania's per capita consumption reached 12.3 kg/year (close to the EU-average of 12.2 kg/year) as compared with 5.6 kg/year in 2007.

The share of domestic supply was relatively stable over the last 7 years (98%), attesting to consumers' loyalty to domestic products despite the economic crisis. In the medium term, this tendency is expected to continue.

Source: EU: Paints And Varnishes - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020