Carbides market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German carbide market experienced a significant contraction in both volume and value from 2018 to 2020, with market size falling from 185.8 thousand tons to 123.7 thousand tons and from $492.9 million to $323.6 million. A recovery followed in 2021, bringing volume to 150.9 thousand tons and value to $437.1 million.

In 2022, market volume saw a slight stabilization at 147.4 thousand tons, while value surged by 24% to $544.1 million. This increase in market value was supported by technological advancements and product innovations, such as the introduction of new carbide tool series, and the integration of Industry 4.0 initiatives, which enhanced the performance and monitoring capabilities of tools.

By 2024, the market volume declined to 120.8 thousand tons, with value also decreasing to $510.9 million. During this period, ongoing trends like automation in manufacturing and the demand from the automotive and machinery sectors continued to shape the market, emphasizing precision tools and sustainability in carbide material recycling.

Production carbides in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's carbide production value declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 252.3 million US dollars, marking a 16.1% year-on-year decrease. Production peaked in 2019 at 300.8 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 22.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's carbide production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 59,157 tonnes were produced, representing a 10.8% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 22.5%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.2%.

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

Exports carbides from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's carbide exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 38.7 thousand tonnes, down 13.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Poland, and Austria were the principal destinations for Germany's carbide exports by volume. France accounted for 41.2% of exports, Poland for 10.9%, and Austria for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 62.2% 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, M $ US

Germany's carbide export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 113.1 million US dollars, an 18.1% decrease compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 147.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 14.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's carbide exports by value were not heavily concentrated. France accounted for 16.2% of exports, the United States for 11.2%, and Japan for 9.1%. Combined, these three countries captured 36.5% 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 carbides to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's carbide imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 103.2 thousand tonnes, a 17.1% decrease from the previous year. Imports peaked in 2018 at 161.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.7%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 22.8%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 27.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, China, and Austria consistently led Germany's carbide imports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 35.1% of imports, China for 11.2%, and Austria for 10.2%. Together, these three countries represented 56.5% 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

Germany's carbide import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 184.4 million US dollars, down 19.6% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 352.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 26.5%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 34.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 33.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, the Netherlands, and China were the principal sources for Germany's carbide imports by value. Austria accounted for 28.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 14.6%, and China for 14.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 57.7% 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