Activated carbon market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The activated carbon market in Germany saw its value rise from $115.7 million in 2018 to $135.9 million in 2019. This growth was supported by the 2015 entry of Osaka Gas Co. Ltd., which strengthened domestic production capacity for granular activated carbon, and by increasing consumer demand for activated carbon in trendy cosmetics, detox products, and toothpaste. In 2020, the market value stabilized at $135.8 million as supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic were counterbalanced by recovering demand from the water treatment and pharmaceutical sectors.

Market value held steady at $135.8 million in 2021 amid rising European environmental regulations and emission standards, which bolstered demand for activated carbon in air and water purification. A sharp surge to $196.0 million occurred in 2022, driven by supply chain constraints that led Cabot Corporation to announce global price increases for specialty carbon products and by growing adoption of activated carbon in lithium-ion batteries for energy storage, a segment that attracted significant investment.

Following the 2022 peak, the market value moderated to $131.7 million in 2024. Underlying demand from water purification and pharmaceutical applications remained sustained, supported by ongoing regulatory pressure for cleaner emissions and a continued industry focus on reactivation and recycling of activated carbon due to limited raw material availability.

Production activated carbon in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's activated carbon production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 51 640 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 32.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 58.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 31 261 tonnes of activated carbon, showing a moderate increase of 3.8% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports activated carbon from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Activated carbon exports from Germany have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 49 776 tonnes, down 1.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 56 716 tonnes. In 2019, exports saw the largest drop of 11.2%, while 2018 experienced the biggest increase of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. Italy accounted for 13.7% of exports, the United States for 12.1%, and France for 11.4%, together making up 37.2% of total flows. The remaining 62.8% went to various other partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, activated carbon exports from Germany were valued at 75.2 million US dollars, reflecting a slight rise of 1.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 86.8 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 14.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's activated carbon exports were distributed across many different markets. Even the top destinations—the United States, France, and Italy—combined represented only 23.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports activated carbon to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany imported approximately 74 537 tonnes of activated carbon in 2020, indicating a small decline of 2.1% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 72 173 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 76 155 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 2.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, the Philippines, and Belgium were the leading sources of activated carbon imports by volume. China accounted for 31.9% of imports, the Philippines for 15.9%, and Belgium for 12.8%, together comprising 60.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Germany's activated carbon imports declined. In 2020, imports stood at 159.4 million US dollars, representing a decrease of 2.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 17.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 162.6 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 17.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, the structure of imports by value was balanced rather than concentrated. China contributed 24.2% of import value, the Philippines 14.8%, and the Netherlands 10.5%, together accounting for 49.5% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 50.5%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020