Granite blocks and slabs market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the German market for granite blocks and slabs showed considerable volatility in volume. It expanded from 42.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 62.6 thousand tonnes in 2019, supported by a surge in imports to 60.2 thousand tonnes. This growth coincided with a strengthening of global supply, notably India's rise as a leading world exporter capturing a 23.1% market share in 2019, which likely improved material availability for German importers. However, market volume then contracted to 52.2 thousand tonnes in 2020 and fell sharply to 17.0 thousand tonnes in 2021, while the market value declined from USD 16.4 million in 2019 to USD 12.9 million in 2021.

Following 2021, full market size data is unavailable, but trade flows continued to exhibit significant shifts. Imports peaked at 92.4 thousand tonnes in 2023 before collapsing to 14.5 thousand tonnes in 2024, with exports also falling markedly. This sharp downturn aligned with a period of high inflation, rising interest rates, and elevated material costs, which burdened the German construction sector and dampened demand for granite. Concurrently, the market saw dynamic product development, such as Stonegate Deutschland's monthly introduction of new granite kitchen worktop models starting in summer 2024, indicating ongoing innovation within the industry despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Production granite blocks and slabs in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the output value of granite blocks and slabs reached $3,306 thousand in 2018, marking the highest point during this period. However, by 2019, this value had declined to $2,851 thousand, representing a contraction of 13.7% compared to the previous year. Over the three-year span from 2017 to 2019, production increased by 2.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when output surged by 18.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Granite blocks and slabs production in Germany has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2019, output fell sharply to 165 tons, a dramatic reduction of 95.8% compared to 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, production decreased by 97.4%, with an average annual decline of 70.5%.

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

Exports granite blocks and slabs from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2020, with a 12.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany exported 14,688 tons of granite blocks and slabs, an increase of 936.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when exports fell by 29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Switzerland together accounted for 86.8% of Germany's total exports of granite blocks and slabs in volume terms. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller individual amounts.

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

After a two-year decline, granite blocks and slabs exports from Germany increased in 2020. The export value reached $610 thousand, reflecting a 30.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 32.8%, with an average annual decline of 12.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $467 thousand, when exports saw their largest drop of 38.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands were the main buyers of granite blocks and slabs from Germany in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 34.3% of exports, France for 22.8%, and the Netherlands for 17.4%. Together, these three countries comprised 74.5% of Germany's 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 granite blocks and slabs to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Granite blocks and slabs imports into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 66,710 tons, showing a robust increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 86.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and China were the key partners for Germany's imports of granite blocks and slabs in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 51.6% of imports, Italy for 23.5%, and China for 7.2%. Together, these three countries made up 82.2% 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

Imported granite blocks and slabs volumes into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at $15,191 thousand, amounting to a gain of 8.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 61%, equating to an average annual rate of 17.2%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Spain were the main markets for Germany's imports of granite blocks and slabs in value terms. Turkey accounted for 32.6% of imports, Italy for 32.2%, and Spain for 13.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.1% 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