Compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for compound plasticisers in Germany, measured in physical volume, expanded from 54.6 thousand tons in 2018 to a high of 66.1 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was accompanied by a notable increase in the market's value, which recovered to 173.4 million US dollars in 2021 after a dip the previous years.

Market volume contracted sharply to 39.0 thousand tons in 2022 and fell further to 35.0 thousand tons by 2024. During the latter part of the period, the industry pivoted towards sustainable and phthalate-free products. Evonik Industries opened a new production plant for these plasticisers in Marl in 2024, while major consolidations, such as Amcor's merger with Berry Global, reshaped the competitive landscape, reflecting a broader response to evolving regulations and consumer demand for safer alternatives.

Production compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 235.8 million US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 22.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.0%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 289.9 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 50.7% occurring that same year. In contrast, the most significant decline was observed in 2019, when production dropped by 18.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

After a two-year rise, Germany's production of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined. In 2020, output reached 103.0 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 23.3%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The peak production volume was recorded in 2019 at 103.4 thousand tonnes. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 21.8%.

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

Exports compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 52 559 tonnes, marking a year-over-year decrease of 9.1%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 15.7%, which equates to a compound annual decline rate of 5.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics were distributed across a wide range of markets. France accounted for 18.5% of exports in volume, the United States for 13.1%, and Italy for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 38.0% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified export structure.

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 compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 126.9 million US dollars, reflecting a significant reduction of 11.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.5%, corresponding to an annualized decline rate of 5.8%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 159.9 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 5.1% also occurring that year.

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

The structure of Germany's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diversified set of trading partners. France accounted for 14.3% of export value, the United States for 12.6%, and Portugal for 7.5%. Combined, these three countries represented only 34.4% of total export flows, while the remaining 65.6% was spread across 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 compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 355 tonnes, showing a dramatic decrease of 27.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 28%, corresponding to a compound annual decline rate of 10.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 504 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 0.8% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading supplier of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics to Germany, accounting for 32.3% of imports in volume. The United States followed with 23.3%, and Belgium with 15.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 71.1% of total import volume, highlighting a more concentrated import structure compared to exports.

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 imports of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 39.5 million US dollars, reflecting an abrupt decrease of 30.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 27.4%, corresponding to a compound annual decline rate of 10.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 39.5 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 11.3% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy stood out as the main source of imports in value terms, accounting for 33.1% of Germany's imports of compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics. The United States followed with 29.6%, and Belgium with 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 75.7% of total import flows, indicating a relatively concentrated import market.

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

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