Calcium carbonate market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The calcium carbonate market in Germany experienced a substantial decline in physical volume from 650 thousand tons in 2018 to 347 thousand tons in 2024. In value terms, the market size fluctuated, peaking at $122.1 million in 2021 before falling to $76.4 million by the end of the period. A key shift occurred in 2021 when a supply-demand gap, influenced by crude oil price movements and raw material volatility, triggered a 3.44% price increase in the first quarter, contributing to higher market value despite a drop in volume.

Subsequently, the market contraction intensified. Rising energy costs across Europe and stringent quarrying regulations increased production expenses, constraining supply. At the same time, evolving demand patterns, including a growing preference for high-performance nano calcium carbonate in advanced applications driven by technological advances and sustainability, began reshaping the market's product mix toward more specialized segments.

By 2024, Germany retained its leading position in Europe with a 24.6% revenue share, supported by strong industrial demand across sectors. However, escalating transportation costs acted as a limiting factor on market growth. Strategic moves by major producers, such as Imerys opening a new plant, Sibelco acquiring a specialty manufacturer, and Carmeuse launching a new pharmaceutical-grade product, alongside rising demand for food-grade calcium carbonate due to high quality standards, highlighted activity in higher-value niches amid the broader volume decline.

Production calcium carbonate in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's calcium carbonate production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 45 254 thousand US dollars, representing an 8.5% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 51 280 thousand US dollars, with a 3.9% increase that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's calcium carbonate production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 137.5 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a 7.6% drop from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%.

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

Exports calcium carbonate from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's calcium carbonate export volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 72.8 thousand tonnes, up 25.1% from 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 42.8 thousand tonnes, with a 5.1% decline that year. Exports saw their largest increase in 2019, rising by 36.0%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 61.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France were the leading destinations for Germany's calcium carbonate exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 27.8% of exports, Poland for 11.9%, and France for 10.3%, together making up 50.0% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, Germany's calcium carbonate exports in value terms amounted to 25 910 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.6% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 24 541 thousand US dollars, with a 7.5% decline that year. Exports peaked in 2018 at 26 543 thousand US dollars.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Germany's calcium carbonate exports in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. France accounted for 10.9% of exports, Poland for 10.2%, and Italy for 8.1%, together representing 29.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports calcium carbonate to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's calcium carbonate import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 612.2 thousand tonnes, up 12.7% from 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 538.0 thousand tonnes, with a 27.2% decline that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17.2%, averaging an annual decline of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Croatia, and Slovenia were the core sources of Germany's calcium carbonate imports in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 48.5% of imports, Croatia for 22.2%, and Slovenia for 18.2%, together comprising 88.8% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's calcium carbonate imports in value terms totalled 95 945 thousand US dollars, rising 7.8% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 4.6% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 10.5%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 13.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Slovenia, and Croatia were the primary suppliers of calcium carbonate to Germany in value terms. Belgium accounted for 41.6% of imports, Slovenia for 16.4%, and Croatia for 14.6%, together making up 72.7% of total import flows.

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

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