International. According to Informa's DBK Sector Observatory, the value of sales of paints and varnishes in the Spanish market resumed the growth trend in 2021, surpassing the fall caused by the effects of the pandemic.
Thus, the figure of 1,691 million euros was reached, 10.7% above that of the previous year. In 2022, it is estimated that the market value was already close to 1,800 million euros, which represented an increase of approximately 5%.
Sales of paints for industry experienced a particularly significant increase, as a result of the good performance of some of the main sectors. This segment experienced growth of 15.1% to 958 million euros.
The segment of paints for decoration and construction, which unlike the previous one had continued to grow in 2020, posted a lower growth, of 5.3%. This variation reached 733 million euros.
After the restrictions on international trade of the previous year, foreign trade showed great dynamism in 2021. Exports increased in value by 19.5%, while imports grew by 16.6%.
The slowdown in economic activity as a result of the energy crisis, high inflation and the rise in interest rates is presented as the main threat to companies in the sector, causing a worsening of demand. High production costs will continue to affect the sector's margins.
In January 2021, there were 369 companies engaged in the manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, printing inks and putties.
This figure is 3.9% lower than that recorded the previous year, maintaining the downward trend in the number of operators, which has led to the cessation of activity of almost one hundred companies in the last decade.
Thus, the trend of progressive increase in the degree of sectoral concentration continues, with some of the main groups having carried out outstanding operations of purchase and absorption of companies. The top ten traders accounted for 52% of the total market value in 2021.
