CMC and its salts market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2019 to 2021, CMC production in Germany increased from 17.4 thousand tons to 20.5 thousand tons, while market volume in physical terms remained stable at around 16 thousand tons. This production growth was partly supported by the expansion of key raw material – monochloroacetic acid (MCA) production capacity, which Nouryon announced in 2020 in response to rising demand. Additionally, global capacity expansions, such as Nippon Paper's announcement of a new CMC production plant in Japan in 2019, contributed to increased product availability on the international market.

After peaking in 2021, production and market volume declined in 2022 and 2023. Production fell to 14.7 thousand tons in 2023, and market volume shrank to 14.6 thousand tons. During this period, despite the decline, the market saw sustained demand growth trends for CMC from the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, as well as expanded use in sustainable packaging and construction. Moreover, in February 2023, Nippon Paper announced the establishment of a production and sales subsidiary in Hungary, strengthening the European supply chain with a planned launch at the end of 2024.

In 2024, market volume in physical terms slightly recovered to 14.7 thousand tons. The market was influenced by new regulatory requirements from the European Commission on food additive assessment, including E466, with enhanced labeling and safety rules. Simultaneously, growing consumer preferences for gluten-free, low-calorie, and sustainable products continued to stimulate demand for CMC as a functional additive.

Production CMC and its salts in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of CMC and its salts was valued at 73 183 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 18 004 tonnes of CMC and its salts, representing a gradual year-on-year gain of 3.2%.

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

Exports CMC and its salts from Germany

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's exports of CMC and its salts reached 16 264 tonnes, up 5.8% from 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 747 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2019 at 15 378 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Austria accounted for 20.4% of these exports, the United States for 8.1%, and the Netherlands for 7.2%, together making up just 35.7% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany exported 60 317 thousand US dollars worth of CMC and its salts, a 10.4% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 54 627 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 7.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany's exports in value terms of CMC and its salts were spread across numerous markets. Austria contributed 10.1% of these exports, the Netherlands 8.7%, and the United States 8.7%, collectively accounting for only 27.5% 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 CMC and its salts to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Germany's imports of CMC and its salts increased in 2020, reaching 14 087 tonnes, a slight rise of 1.7% from 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 856 tonnes, with the largest decline in 2018 at 4.7%. Over the period 2017–2020, imports decreased by 3.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Italy, and Turkey consistently served as the main sources for Germany's imports in kind. Finland accounted for 23.3% of imports, Italy for 15.3%, and Turkey for 12.9%, together representing 51.5% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany imported 41 359 thousand US dollars worth of CMC and its salts, a 4.2% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 39 687 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 3.2%. Over the period 2017–2020, imports grew by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports in value terms had a broad market base. Finland accounted for 19.3% of these imports, the Netherlands for 16.2%, and Italy for 12.7%, together making up just 48.3% of total flows, while the remaining 51.7% was shared among many other countries.

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

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