Additives for cements, mortars, concretes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German market for prepared additives for cements, mortars, and concretes saw steady physical growth, rising from 228 000 tons to 244 800 tons. This expansion paused in 2021 when market volume stabilized at 240 200 tons.

A significant jump occurred in 2022, with market volume increasing by 7% to 257 100 tons. This surge coincided with the German cement industry's intensified focus on decarbonizing cement and concrete. The drive for greater energy efficiency and resource conservation directly boosted demand for additives that enhance the environmental performance of construction materials.

By 2024, the market volume reached 265 200 tons. This growth was supported by rising construction expenditures and investment in residential and commercial building, which lifted demand for additives. Simultaneously, the introduction of the new Ersatzbaustoffverordnung (EBV), regulating the use of mineral secondary building materials, and the updated EU Construction Products Regulation created a regulatory push for incorporating supplementary cementitious materials. Furthermore, steep price increases for cement and aggregates due to energy scarcity influenced the market's value, which rose to 213.2 million US dollars in 2024.

Production additives for cements, mortars, concretes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes reached 352.5 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 9.2%, while the largest decline was observed in 2019, at 4.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 326.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 2.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Exports additives for cements, mortars, concretes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Germany's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes rebounded in 2020. The country exported 132.7 thousand tonnes that year, up 0.6% from 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 4.1%, averaging an annual decline of 1.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 131.9 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, with a 3.3% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes were distributed across a diverse range of markets. The top three destinations—France (20.4% of exports by volume), Poland (11.3%), and the Netherlands (9.6%)—collectively accounted for just 41.3% of total exports, highlighting the broad geographic spread of these shipments.

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

After two years of growth, the value of Germany's exports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes declined in 2020. Exports totaled 168.2 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.9% decrease from the previous year. Despite this drop, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 178.7 million US dollars, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018, with a 7.0% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export market for additives for cements, mortars, and concretes was highly diversified in value terms. The leading buyers—France (11.1% of export value), the Netherlands (8.5%), and Poland (8.1%)—together contributed only 27.7% of total export value, with many other countries holding smaller but significant shares.

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

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

Imports additives for cements, mortars, concretes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 50.7 thousand tonnes, up 5.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 44.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.0%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.8% rise.

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

The import market for additives for cements, mortars, and concretes in Germany was broad from 2017 to 2020. The top three suppliers—Italy (15.7% of imports by volume), Poland (14.6%), and Slovakia (13.4%)—combined for only 43.7% of total imports, while the remaining 56.3% was spread across numerous other countries.

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

Germany's import value of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 49.3 million US dollars, showing a steady 6.8% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value surged by 18.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy (18.9% of import value), Switzerland (14.2%), and Austria (12.3%) were key suppliers of additives for cements, mortars, and concretes to Germany, but their combined share of total import value was just 45.4%, indicating a diverse sourcing landscape with many other countries involved.

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

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