Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide was valued at 66.6 million dollars in 2019. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted production and supply chains, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, temporarily reducing demand for zirconium dioxide and negatively affecting germanium, which led to a slight market contraction to 65.2 million dollars.

Following the initial pandemic impact, the market recovered to 69.7 million dollars by 2021. In subsequent years, market dynamics were shaped by China's tightened export controls on germanium from 2023, causing significant supply volatility and shortages. Concurrently, demand for germanium from fiber-optic cables and 5G networks rose steadily, while zirconium dioxide saw expanding use in dental ceramics and electronics.

By 2024, the market size had grown to 78.7 million dollars. This increase was driven by a combination of factors: a further sharp reduction in germanium exports from China led to supply shortages and a price surge of over 70%; the publication of the first international S3 guideline for zirconium dioxide-based ceramic implants boosted its adoption in dentistry; and the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act set targets to increase domestic sourcing and recycling. Major corporate moves, such as Saint-Gobain's acquisition of the OVNIVER group, also signaled significant market activity.

Production germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide was valued at 29 262 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 10.0% compared to the previous year.

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

Exports germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide from Germany

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany exported 117 tonnes of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide, representing a 9.5% increase from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 107 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 133 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 19.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and South Korea were the main destinations for Germany's exports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in volume terms. Austria accounted for 31.2% of exports, Czechia for 12.3%, and South Korea for 10.2%. Together, these three countries absorbed 53.7% of Germany's total exports in this category.

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

Germany's exports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 959 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 27.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 47.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 865 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 30.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in value terms were highly diversified. Italy accounted for 9.8% of exports, China for 9.4%, and Portugal for 9.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 28.6% of total export flows, with the remaining 71.4% coming from a wide range of 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 germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 2 308 tonnes of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide, an increase of 44.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 308 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 28.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for Germany's imports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in volume terms. China accounted for 30.8% of imports, France for 17.7%, and the United Kingdom for 14.6%. Together, these three countries represented 63.1% of total import 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

Germany's imports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 38 861 thousand US dollars, down by 11.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 46 550 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 31.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United Kingdom, and Japan were the key partners for Germany's imports of germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide in value terms. China accounted for 19.2% of imports, the United Kingdom for 19.0%, and Japan for 15.2%. Together, these three countries represented 53.4% of total import flows.

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

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