Chlorine market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German chlorine market volume decreased from 2.4 million tons in 2018 to 2.2 million tons in 2020. This initial contraction was driven by a decline in European chlorine production, which affected output, and was further exacerbated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread production stoppages and supply chain disruptions.

A recovery followed in 2021, with the market volume rising to 2.3 million tons. This rebound was primarily fueled by resurgent demand from key consuming industries, including water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical sector, supported by a slight expansion in German automotive production.

The market then contracted sharply to 1.7 million tons in 2022, a drop linked to significant market and supply chain challenges that reduced European production. The volume continued to decline through 2024, reaching 1.6 million tons, as the industry adapted to stricter environmental standards promoting a shift to greener technologies, while EU regulatory adjustments for chlorine-based biocidal products shaped market conditions.

Production chlorine in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, chlorine output was valued at 475.1 million US dollars in 2019, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 10.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 529.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Chlorine production in Germany has declined for three consecutive years. In 2019, output reached 2,131 thousand tonnes, showing a gradual decrease of 4.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2019, production fell by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.8%.

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

Exports chlorine from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 4.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany's chlorine exports amounted to 14,988 tonnes, representing a 50.6% decline from 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 66.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 31.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria were the principal buyers of chlorine from Germany, accounting for 44.0%, 22.5%, and 16.5% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 83.0% of total exports in kind.

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, the value of chlorine exports from Germany stood at 4,719 thousand US dollars, which is 18.6% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 49.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -20.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 39.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands emerged as the main markets for chlorine exports in value terms, with shares of 27.1%, 26.7%, and 11.6%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 65.4% 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 chlorine to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year uptick, foreign chlorine supplies to Germany declined. In 2020, imports reached 47,190 tonnes, reflecting a 28.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 65,600 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 35.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Poland, and Austria led as the top suppliers of chlorine to Germany, with shares of 39.2%, 33.4%, and 12.2% of imports in kind, respectively. Their combined share reached 84.9% of total imports in kind.

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

Chlorine imports into Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7,950 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 36.5% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 12,859 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 52.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Austria remained the leading sources in the country structure of chlorine imports in value terms, with shares of 35.8%, 32.5%, and 17.1%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 85.4% 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