Carbon excluding graphite or diamonds market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for carbon excluding graphite or diamonds began the period with a significant production surge across Europe in 2018, where output of non-electrical graphite and carbon articles jumped by 176% year-on-year, with Germany as a major producer. This industrial expansion coincided with substantial trade flows, as imports reached 323.7 thousand tons and exports stood at 200.1 thousand tons that year. By 2020, domestic production was recorded at 397.2 thousand tons, supporting a market volume of 470.3 thousand tons.

Market dynamics shifted in the following years. Production rose sharply to 488.6 thousand tons in 2021, while the total market volume saw only modest growth to 477.6 thousand tons, indicating a shift in trade balances as imports fell. In 2022, production contracted to 426.4 thousand tons, yet the market volume expanded to 507.8 thousand tons, driven by a rebound in imports to 277.8 thousand tons.

By 2024, production had recovered strongly to 504.8 thousand tons, with the market volume at 498.2 thousand tons. This period was marked by capacity expansions and investments from major producers like SGL Carbon, particularly for graphite products in the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, a key sustainability agreement was signed in July 2024 between Graphit Kropfmühl and BASF to reduce the carbon footprint of a German production site, reflecting the industry's focus on environmental measures. The introduction of a global standardized framework for carbon credit certifications also aimed to enhance market integrity.

Production carbon excluding graphite or diamonds in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 351.9 million US dollars, marking a controlled decline of 8.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 30.4%, which equates to an annualized rate of 11.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Exports carbon excluding graphite or diamonds from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 162.6 thousand tonnes, showing a modest reduction of 7.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 12.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 200.1 thousand tonnes.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds from Germany were not concentrated on a few key markets. France accounted for 17.2% of exports in kind, Spain for 7.5%, and the Netherlands for 6.5%, jointly representing only 31.2% of total 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

Carbon excluding graphite or diamonds exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 293.1 million US dollars worth of these products, representing an 8.2% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 11.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 359.2 million US dollars.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. France accounted for 11.8% of exports in value terms, China for 7.4%, and Spain for 6.0%, jointly representing only 25.3% of total flows. The remaining 74.7% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports carbon excluding graphite or diamonds to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imported volumes of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds to Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 235.8 thousand tonnes, down by 15.0% over the past year. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 323.7 thousand tonnes.

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

In 2017 to 2020, Russia, Poland, and Italy were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of imports in kind of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds to Germany. Russia accounted for 35.6% of imports in kind, Poland for 12.7%, and Italy for 10.2%, with a combined share of 58.5% of total 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 import volume of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 244.8 million US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 25.8% from 2019. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 30.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 376.1 million US dollars.

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

In 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for imports in value terms of carbon excluding graphite or diamonds to Germany were Russia, Italy, and Poland. Russia accounted for 29.1% of imports in value terms, Italy for 10.8%, and Poland for 10.3%, which jointly accounted for 50.3% of total flows.

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

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