Carbon dioxide market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Czech carbon dioxide production and market volume fell sharply between 2018 and 2020. The initial decline coincided with the implementation of stricter European and national regulations, including updated safety and classification rules for CO2 and laws governing workplace exposure limits and carbon capture storage. These measures increased compliance pressures on industrial emitters. The downward trend was exacerbated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily reduced industrial activity and demand across key consuming sectors.

In the following years, the market landscape continued to be shaped by regulatory and technological shifts. EU emission limits and national policies promoting decarbonization sustained pressure to reduce CO2 emissions, while simultaneously fostering investment in carbon capture and utilization technologies. Growing industrial demand for CO2, particularly in the food and beverage sector, emerged as a significant factor, influencing trade flows as seen in fluctuating import and export volumes through 2023.

For the years 2024 and 2025, available trade data shows variability in both imports and exports, continuing the pattern of adjustment within the market.

Production carbon dioxide in Czechia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Czechia's carbon dioxide production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 130.0 K t of carbon dioxide were produced, marking a significant decrease of 21.1% compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 43.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports carbon dioxide from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, carbon dioxide exports from Czechia increased in 2021. Exports reached 41 208 t, reflecting a strong growth of 12.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 34%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 36 492 t, which also saw the largest decline of 28.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the primary buyer of carbon dioxide from Czechia, accounting for 86.3% of total exports in kind, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Carbon dioxide exports from Czechia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 6 465 K $ US, showing a robust rise of 13.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 6.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 492 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria were the largest contributors to Czechia's carbon dioxide exports in value terms, with shares of 44.2%, 25.9%, and 12.1% respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports carbon dioxide to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, carbon dioxide imports into Czechia reached 33 950 t, representing a 22.3% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 29 300 t, while the maximum was in 2020 at 43 701 t, which also saw the largest increase of 49.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for carbon dioxide imports into Czechia were Hungary, Austria, and Poland, collectively accounting for 84.6% of total import flows in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Carbon dioxide imports into Czechia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 13 870 K $ US, up by 14.5% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 72%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 19.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, Israel remained the key source for carbon dioxide imports into Czechia, accounting for 74.3% of total imports in value terms, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021