According to figures just released by EFIBCA (European Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association), the value of FIBC imports to the European Union in 2012 (331.5 million euros) fell slightly by 2.3% compared to 2011. The decrease in exports to the EU affected the absolute production figures in the top six exporting countries. Nevertheless, Turkey consolidated its leading position with a slight increase of market share to about 40%. India remained in second place with stable export figures (35%), followed by China (11%). Also imports to the EU from Bangladesh (5%) and Serbia (3%) stayed much the same. Remarkably, Vietnam (1%) was able to increase its market share, whilst Thailand was relegated from the top six exporters to the EU.

After the slump of 2009, imports of FIBCs to the EU caught up in 2010 (267.5 million euros) and reached a total of 339.2 million euros in 2011, still well below the figure for 2008 (358.8 million euros). The EFIBCA secrertariat is in Bad Homburg, Germany.  www.efibca.com

 

 

Fertilisers packaged in bulk bags awaiting shipment at a Russian port (photo: Chempack)