Citric acid, its salts and esters market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for citric acid, its salts and esters in Germany was valued at 183.8 million USD in 2018, a year marked by rapid expansion of production capacity across Europe and technological advancements in enzymatic processes that enabled high-value derivatives. Market size then dipped to 167.3 million USD in 2019 before recovering to 175.4 million USD in 2020 and growing to 205.4 million USD in 2021.

In 2022, the market experienced a sharp surge, reaching 325.3 million USD, the highest level in the period.

The market contracted to 223.7 million USD in 2023, during which Jungbunzlauer introduced Monomagnesium citrate for functional foods and beverages, reflecting product innovation, while environmental sustainability regulations affected market dynamics. By 2024, market size fell further to 208.3 million USD as European production and imports declined, supply chain disruptions continued, and consumer preferences for natural preservatives sustained demand for food-grade citric acid.

Production citric acid, its salts and esters in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of citric acid, its salts and esters grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 166.7 million US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 5.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, production rose by 5.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports citric acid, its salts and esters from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Germany's exports of citric acid, its salts and esters declined. In 2020, shipments totaled 70.6 thousand tonnes, down 0.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 6.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 71.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of citric acid, its salts and esters were distributed across a wide range of buyers. France accounted for 18.6% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 15.8%, and the United States for 10.7%, together making up 45.1% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but significant shares.

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 exports of citric acid, its salts and esters increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 171.3 million US dollars, up 3.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 14.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of citric acid, its salts and esters in value terms were spread across numerous markets. France contributed 11.8% of export value, the United States 9.6%, and the Netherlands 9.5%, together accounting for 30.9% of total 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 citric acid, its salts and esters to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's imports of citric acid, its salts and esters amounted to 170.6 thousand tonnes, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 3.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 171.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.8%. In 2019, imports declined by 3.5%, marking the largest drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Austria, China, and Belgium—accounted for 90.0% of Germany's total imports of citric acid, its salts and esters in volume.

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

In 2020, Germany imported citric acid, its salts and esters worth 189.9 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 3.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 189.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.4%. In 2019, imports fell by 8.4%, the largest decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, China, and Belgium were the main sources for Germany's imports of citric acid, its salts and esters in value terms. Austria accounted for 45.7% of import value, China for 21.2%, and Belgium for 21.2%, together making up 88.1% 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