Ethylene oxide market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Ethylene oxide production in Germany increased from 330.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 346.7 thousand tons in 2020, while market volume peaked at 298.9 thousand tons in 2019. This initial growth coincided with the expansion of e-commerce in Germany, which grew by 11.3% in 2018, and sustained growth in online over-the-counter medicine sales, potentially supporting demand for ethylene oxide used in sterilizing agents and chemical intermediates. However, in 2020 the EU Rapid Alert System published numerous warnings about ethylene oxide in imported foodstuffs like sesame seeds, leading to product recalls and increasing regulatory attention to the substance.

From 2021 onward, both production and market volume of ethylene oxide began a sustained decline. Production fell to 296.4 thousand tons in 2021 and continued decreasing to 271.2 thousand tons in 2024. This downturn followed the entry into force of EU Regulation (EU) 2020/217 in October 2021, which tightened the harmonized classification of ethylene oxide, strengthening regulatory requirements. Simultaneously, numerous recalls of imported products exceeding ethylene oxide limits in 2020 and 2021 intensified market surveillance. In 2022, inflationary pressures and geopolitical crises, including the war in Ukraine, created additional headwinds for the market, contributing to further contraction.

Production ethylene oxide in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's ethylene oxide production value has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 209.5 million US dollars, representing a 4.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's ethylene oxide production volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 346.7 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a slight gain of 0.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

Exports ethylene oxide from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Germany's ethylene oxide export volume increased in 2020. Exports reached 148.1 thousand tonnes, up 17.3% from 2019. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 126.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 14.9% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Slovakia were the key destinations for Germany's ethylene oxide exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 41.7% of exports, Belgium for 24.4%, and Slovakia for 7.5%, together making up 73.6% 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

In 2020, Germany's ethylene oxide export value reached 160.2 million US dollars, showing a slight uptick of 1.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 11.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.1%. The minimum value was 157.4 million US dollars in 2019, while the maximum was 201.7 million US dollars in 2018. The largest decline of 22.0% occurred in 2019, and the largest increase of 11.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Slovakia continued to lead as the top buyers of ethylene oxide from Germany in value terms. Italy held a 42.0% share of exports, Belgium 23.2%, and Slovakia 7.0%, jointly accounting for 72.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports ethylene oxide to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's ethylene oxide import volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 73.5 thousand tonnes, down 9.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Belgium were the primary sources for Germany's ethylene oxide imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 88.9% of total flows, while other partners contributed much smaller shares individually.

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 ethylene oxide import value has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 73.4 million US dollars, showing a robust reduction of 24.1% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 30.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -11.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 118.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 11.5% occurring that year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Belgium remained the main suppliers of ethylene oxide to Germany in value terms, with a combined share of 89.3% of total imports, while the remainder was fragmented across 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