Cement clinkers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German cement clinkers market grew substantially, with volume increasing from 819 thousand tonnes to 1,443 thousand tonnes. This expansion was primarily fueled by strong demand from the construction sector, which sustained production despite the industry's high energy intensity and ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and use alternative fuels.

A sharp reversal began in 2021, leading to a prolonged market contraction that saw volume fall to 439 thousand tonnes by 2024. This decline was driven by severe material shortages, capacity constraints, and a steep rise in energy prices, which limited production and overall market availability. Regulatory pushes for carbon capture and the development of green cements provided a strategic backdrop but could not counteract these immediate supply-side pressures.

Throughout the period, the industry focused on technological innovation, including research into electricity-based process heat and carbon management, highlighted at events like the VDZ Congress. Major producers such as Holcim reported on advancements in clinker production and circularity, yet these long-term initiatives were overshadowed by persistent supply chain and cost challenges that defined the market's downward trajectory.

Production cement clinkers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's cement clinker production value declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 57 282 K $ US. However, in 2020, production fell to 55 424 K $ US, marking a 3.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.9% overall, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with an 8.4% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Cement clinker production in Germany declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, output peaked at 1 263 K t, with the largest annual increase of 4.3% recorded that year. By 2020, production had dropped to 1 210 K t, representing a controlled reduction of 3.6% compared to 2019.

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

Exports cement clinkers from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 524.6 K t, with the largest annual increase of 20.1% recorded that year. By 2020, exports had fallen sharply to 86.0 K t, a 74.1% decrease from 2019. The difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020 was 6.1-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria and the Netherlands were the dominant destinations for Germany's cement clinker exports by volume. Austria accounted for 62.6% of total flows, while the Netherlands contributed 17.8%, together making up 80.4% of exports. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2018, export value peaked at 29 251 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 27.4% recorded that year. By 2020, exports had dropped dramatically to 5 131 K $ US, a 70.3% year-over-year decline. The span from the 2018 peak to the 2020 trough showed a 5.7-fold difference.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium formed the key group of partners for Germany's cement clinker exports by value. Austria led with 63.6% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 15.5% and Belgium at 11.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 90.5% 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 cement clinkers to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 48.4 K t, with the largest annual decline of 39.7% recorded that year. By 2020, imports surged to approximately 319.1 K t, an abrupt increase of 559.6% year-over-year. The gap between the 2019 trough and the 2020 peak was 6.6-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cement clinker imports to Germany came from a broad set of markets. Turkey was the largest source, accounting for 21.1% of imports by volume, followed by Belgium at 14.9% and Spain at 12.6%. Together, these three countries made up 48.6% of total imports, while many smaller destinations contributed the remaining 51.4%.

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

Market performance displayed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, import value was at its minimum of 4 614 K $ US, with the largest annual decline of 7.6% recorded that year. By 2020, imports had risen to 15 148 K $ US, indicating a 228.3% increase compared to the previous year. The difference between the 2019 low and the 2020 high was 3.3-fold.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of imports by value was scattered. Turkey accounted for 16.4% of imports, Belgium for 14.2%, and Tunisia for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented just 43.2% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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