Members of the European Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (EFIBCA, Bad Homburg / Germany; www.efibca.com) are pleased with the development of the industry after the deep slump of 2009. FIBC imports to the EU have climbed to a 3-year high in 2011. Compared to 2010, the value of imports grew by 27% to a total of EUR 339.2m in 2011 (2010: EUR 267.5m). However, the number of imported big bags has still not completely caught up on the 2008 level of EUR 358.8m, although 2011 is the second consecutive year of recovery.

Turkey consolidated its position as the source of most FIBC imports to the EU, with a market share of approximately 40% in 2011. India remained in second place with nearly 35% of total imports (2010: 30%), while China's share fell from 13 to 11%.