For the latest data available in the latest EEA report, in 2019 HFC-32, HFOs and HCFOs accounted for about 43% of the reported total supply of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs as metric tonnes, this is an increased share compared with 2018 (37%). The average GWP for reported total supply has decreased by 40% in just 5 years from 2014 due to the adoption of lower GWP fluorocarbons.
However, this progress by the whole legitimate industry masks the potential impact of illegal trade on the adoption of lower GWP HFCs, HFOs and HCFOs. The growth in actual tonnes of HFC-32, HFOs and HCFOs has stalled in 2019. In addition, in 2019 total supply of HFCs has decreased in actual tonnes and as CO2e even though the cap is the same in 2018 and 2019. These trends are consistent with the availability of illegal higher GWP HFCs including R-404A and R-410A, resulting in a reduced demand for lower GWP refrigerants.
