Aluminium hydroxide market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The aluminium hydroxide market in Germany experienced notable fluctuations in volume between 2018 and 2024. Market size in physical terms fell from 389.6 thousand tons in 2019 to 332.2 thousand tons in 2020, before recovering to 407.9 thousand tons in 2021. This was followed by a decline to 372.8 thousand tons in 2022 and a further drop to 286.5 thousand tons in 2024. In value terms, the market showed a different trajectory, decreasing from 315.7 million US dollars in 2018 to a low of 233.2 million in 2020, then steadily climbing to 306.7 million by 2024.

Specific industry developments began influencing the market more visibly from 2022 onward. That year, major producer Almatis invested in new production facilities, supporting domestic output. However, increased export volumes and reduced imports led to a smaller domestic market in physical terms. Volatility in the prices of key raw materials like bauxite and caustic soda raised costs for manufacturers. By 2024, persistently high energy prices pressured primary aluminium production in Germany, contributing to the decline in market volume. New regulatory burdens also emerged, such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act which took effect in 2024, imposing additional compliance requirements on companies.

Throughout the latter part of the period, underlying demand drivers provided support in value terms. Strict European fire safety regulations and a sustained shift toward halogen-free flame retardants, where aluminium hydroxide is a key filler, bolstered demand from the plastics and construction sectors. This structural trend, coupled with ongoing applications in pharmaceuticals, helped sustain the market's value despite the contraction in physical volume.

Production aluminium hydroxide in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Aluminium hydroxide production in Germany has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 454.8 million US dollars, marking a solid increase of 10.5% compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 591.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.5% during that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 585.4 thousand tonnes of aluminium hydroxide, showing a significant drop of 13.4% from the year before.

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

Exports aluminium hydroxide from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's aluminium hydroxide exports have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 420.1 thousand tonnes, representing a notable year-on-year decline of 13.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 26.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany traded aluminium hydroxide with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom—collectively accounted for only 43.3% of total exports in volume terms.

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

Foreign supplies of aluminium hydroxide from Germany have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Germany exported 287.4 million US dollars worth of aluminium hydroxide, reflecting a 15.3% contraction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14.6%, with a CAGR of -5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 362.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 7.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (12.6% of exports by value), Italy (12.4%), and the Netherlands (12.3%) were the largest buyers of aluminium hydroxide from Germany. Together, they accounted for 37.3% of total exports in value terms, highlighting a diverse range of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports aluminium hydroxide to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Aluminium hydroxide imports into Germany have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 167.0 thousand tonnes, which is 15.8% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 30.7%, with a CAGR of -11.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain (33.5% of imports by volume), Ireland (30.7%), and the Netherlands (12.0%) held the largest shares of aluminium hydroxide imports into Germany. Combined, they made up 76.2% 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

Cross-border shipments of aluminium hydroxide into Germany have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totalled 65.8 million US dollars, constituting a substantial drop of 15.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.6%, with a CAGR of -5.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 87.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 13.1% that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain (21.3% of imports by value), Ireland (20.0%), and the Netherlands (16.6%) remained the primary sources for aluminium hydroxide imports into Germany. Together, they accounted for 57.9% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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