European Total Waste Imports Intra-EU27 (2020) Share by Country (Thousand Euros)

In 2020, Germany was the leading importer within the EU27, holding a 28.49% share, followed by Belgium and Italy, with 15.36% and 12.99% shares, respectively. Smaller countries like Cyprus and Malta contributed minimally, underlining a concentration trend. By 2023, variations showed a rise in Germany by 4.05%, Belgium by 2.75%, and a significant increase in Malta by 52.15%. Conversely, Finland experienced a notable decrease of 23.49%, emphasizing regional disparities. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years reveals consistent growth trends, except in a few countries like France and Spain, where declines were observed.

Looking forward, key trends to watch include Germany and Belgium maintaining their dominant positions, while emerging markets like Bulgaria and Lithuania, which showed robust growth in 2023, may continue to increase their shares. Changes in policy and environmental regulations will likely influence these dynamics, potentially shifting shares among member countries. Monitoring these regulations will be crucial for anticipating future shifts in the waste import landscape across the EU27.