Compounded unvulcanised rubber market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for compounded unvulcanised rubber contracted sharply from 317.4 тыс. т in 2018 to 170.0 тыс. т in 2020. This decline was initially driven by structural competitive disadvantages at German production sites, which reduced output and sales for tire and technical elastomer manufacturers. The downturn accelerated in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant demand fluctuations, particularly in the automotive sector, a key consumer of rubber products.

Market volume began to recover in 2021, rising to 193.7 тыс. т, spurred by legislative requirements to reduce petroleum-based consumption, which increased demand for bio-based rubber materials. Additionally, the heightened need for medical rubber, such as gloves and packaging, created a new growth segment. By 2022, the market expanded further to 241.6 тыс. т, supported by state initiatives promoting sustainable production practices and a 27% growth in medical rubber demand between 2021 and 2024.

The upward trend continued, with the market reaching 303.5 тыс. т in 2024. This growth was fueled by a stronger focus on climate-friendly technologies and the introduction of new environmentally friendly accelerators and additives, alongside increased regulatory requirements for sustainability and recycling. New production facilities and investments in sustainable technologies were established in Germany to meet these evolving market demands.

Production compounded unvulcanised rubber in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of compounded unvulcanised rubber declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 903 million US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year drop of 24.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.7%, with an average annual decline of 13.7%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 1,465 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of compounded unvulcanised rubber decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 331.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a substantial year-on-year decline of 23.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 34.2%, with an average annual decrease of 13.0%.

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

Exports compounded unvulcanised rubber from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany exported 302.4 thousand tonnes of compounded unvulcanised rubber, a decrease of 15.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 14.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 356.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of compounded unvulcanised rubber were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Poland accounted for 19.0% of exports, France for 14.3%, and Spain for 13.0%, with these three countries together making up just 46.3% 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, M $ US

Germany's exports of compounded unvulcanised rubber declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 925 million US dollars, showing a 14.1% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 11%, equating to an average annual decline of 3.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1,108 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.6%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Germany's exports of compounded unvulcanised rubber in value terms were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Poland accounted for 15.4% of exports, France for 14.2%, and Spain for 10.6%, with these three countries together representing only 40.1% 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 compounded unvulcanised rubber to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of compounded unvulcanised rubber declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country imported 302.4 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a substantial decrease of 10.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 27.3%, with an average annual decline of 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for Germany's imports of compounded unvulcanised rubber. Poland accounted for 16.9% of imports, France for 15.3%, and Italy for 14.7%, with these three countries together making up only 47.0% of total imports, while many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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 compounded unvulcanised rubber declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 417 million US dollars, reflecting a notable fall of 13.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 546 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.1%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of compounded unvulcanised rubber in value terms were spread across a large number of markets. Italy accounted for 18.9% of imports, France for 16.1%, and Poland for 10.9%, with these three countries together representing only 46.0% 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