Calcined or sintered dolomite market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the German calcined or sintered dolomite market volume more than halved, falling from 549 thousand tons to 270 thousand tons. This prolonged contraction occurred alongside industry consolidation, exemplified by RHI Magnesita's acquisition of Missouri Refractories Inc. in February 2020, which signaled strategic realignment among major refractory producers.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the market in 2022, causing production and supply chain disruptions alongside reduced construction activity. These factors contributed to a marked drop in dolomite consumption, with market volume declining by over 15% that year to 316 thousand tons.

In a long-term initiative to stimulate demand, Sibelco and CelSian entered a joint research agreement in January 2022, aiming to increase the use of dolomite in the glass industry. Despite such efforts to open new applications, the overall market volume continued to shrink, reaching 270 thousand tons by 2024.

Production calcined or sintered dolomite in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite production value reached 36 574 K $ US in 2020, marking a 28.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 575 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 15.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite production volume increased in 2020 after a two-year decline. The country produced 309.2 K t, showing a moderate rise of 8.7% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 284.4 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 14.6%.

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

Exports calcined or sintered dolomite from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite exports declined in 2020 after a two-year improvement. Shipments totaled 12.9 K t, representing a robust decrease of 23.7% compared to the previous year. Despite this, over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 17.0 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Austria, and France were the three main markets for Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite exports in kind, collectively absorbing 62.2% of the total.

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, K $ US

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite export value declined in 2020 after a two-year rise. Exports were recorded at 3 162 K $ US, which is 11.1% lower year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was in 2019 at 3 558 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Switzerland each accounted for 20.4% of Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite export value, while Austria made up 15.4%. Together, these three countries formed 56.2% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports calcined or sintered dolomite to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite imports in kind declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Import volume totaled 108.9 K t, which is 38.1% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 52.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 230.3 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium was the primary source for Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite imports in kind, accounting for 84.4% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail of smaller partners.

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, K $ US

Germany's calcined or sintered dolomite import value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports amounted to approximately 13 258 K $ US, showing a sharp decrease of 47.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 56.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.0%. The highest value was in 2018 at 32 269 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium was the key supplier of calcined or sintered dolomite to Germany in value terms, taking 82.4% of total imports, while a diversified group of other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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