EU Candle Trade Reaches €513M in Imports

● In 2024, the European Union bought €513 million worth of candles from outside the bloc and sold €450 million abroad, according to data from @EU_Eurostat. The figures show continued strong demand in Europe's seasonal goods market despite rising global costs. The Netherlands was the biggest importer at €112 million (22% of total imports), while Poland led exports with €85 million in candles shipped internationally (19% of total exports).

● The main risks for this sector come from proposed EU energy and environmental tax reforms. New taxes on industrial energy use could significantly increase production costs for candle makers, who depend heavily on natural gas, wax, and packaging materials. Economists worry that sudden implementation of higher carbon or energy levies could force smaller manufacturers out of business and cause skilled workers to leave traditional production hubs in Central and Eastern Europe.

● From a financial standpoint, changing tax structures might temporarily reduce corporate tax revenues from mid-sized manufacturers. Industry groups suggest an alternative: raising corporate taxes on the most profitable exporters instead of imposing higher energy or consumption taxes. This approach would protect smaller producers, preserve competitiveness, and maintain fiscal stability without hurting industrial growth.