Lituania

Key facts

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

A leading industry

The chemical industry ranked the second exporter in Lithuania, after oil refining with the strong tendency to be the first in the year 2022. Total sales in 2021 were €3.3 billion, up from €2.4 billion in 2020. 

HOW ARE WE DOING?

A strong exporter

Chemicals accounted for 13,9% in 2021 compared to 11,4% of Lithuania’s industry exports in 2020 and have been growing in recent years. The main products are phosphoric and nitrogen fertilisers and plastics, notably PET and products of biotechnologies. 

The life sciences, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with annual sales exceeding €2 billion and exceeded commodity chemical industries. The chemical industry is scattered throughout the country, including coastal areas. It employed 7,214 people in 2021. 

Preparing the future

Strengths

• Well-educated labour force 
• A university and research and university base with newly-created R&D centres Easy access to and expertise in the Russian markets 
• Convenient logistics for road and sea transport 
• Implementation of quality standards (mainly ISO) is widespread Constructive dialogue with the authorities 

Weaknesses

• High prices for energy including natural gas
• Heavily reliant upon imported raw materials
• Government deficit creates pressure to increase taxes and fees

OUR CONTRIBUTION TO A COMPETITIVE EUROPE

Lithuania has set up three integrated Science, Studies and Business Centres (“Valleys”) designed to aid the development of its chemical industry. They are Sunrise Valley at Vilnius; the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology at Vilnius; and SANTAKA (pharmaceuticals and, life sciences) at Kaunas. 

Two of the six Lithuanian smart specialisation priorities proposed are related to chemistry: medical and pharmaceutical engineering and new functional materials.