Granite building stone market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The granite market in Germany exhibited significant volatility between 2018 and 2021. Market volume expanded to 115.4 thousand tons in 2019 but then contracted sharply to 42.8 thousand tons by 2021. In value terms, the market also declined from 27.9 million dollars in 2018 to 18.7 million dollars in 2021. Domestic granite production fell to 10 thousand tons in 2019 before recovering to 15 thousand tons in 2021.

Granite imports into Germany peaked at 148.5 thousand tons in 2019 before entering a downward trend, with a particularly sharp drop to 63.4 thousand tons by 2024. Exports, in contrast, grew from 45.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 74.7 thousand tons in 2021, demonstrating the ability of German suppliers to increase foreign sales. In monetary terms, imports fell from 28.5 million dollars in 2018 to 19.4 million dollars in 2024, while exports rose from 4.6 million dollars to 8.3 million dollars over the same period.

By 2024, structural shifts were evident in the market. Global consumption of granite for building purposes contracted by 0.7%, contributing to the decline in German imports. Concurrently, new product segments emerged, such as ultra-lightweight facade stones that are 38% lighter than conventional granite panels and improve installation speed by 23%. These innovations, alongside ongoing investments in infrastructure projects across Germany and Europe, are reshaping demand conditions for natural stone.

Production granite building stone in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's granite building stone production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, output was valued at 3,352 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 14.2% decrease compared to 2018. From 2017 to 2019, production fell by 29.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 11.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's granite building stone production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, 10,041 tonnes were produced, representing a 16.1% year-on-year loss. Over the 2017-2019 period, production decreased by 85.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -46.9%.

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

Exports granite building stone from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Germany's exports of granite building stone increased. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 43.1 thousand tonnes, but in 2020, they rose to 60.7 thousand tonnes, showing a 41.0% year-on-year advance. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 26.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland accounted for 84.1% of Germany's total granite building stone exports by volume, while the remaining share was distributed among a wide range of smaller destinations.

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 cross-border shipments of granite building stone increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports hit their lowest value at 4,582 thousand US dollars, with a 23.7% decline that year. In 2019, exports saw the largest increase at 21.7%, and in 2020, they reached 6,186 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong 10.9% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria were the leading destinations for Germany's granite building stone exports by value. Switzerland accounted for 65.7%, Italy for 7.8%, and Austria for 6.0%, collectively representing 79.6% of total export 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 granite building stone to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of granite building stone decreased over the period. In 2018, the largest decline was recorded at 54.7%. In 2019, imports saw the largest increase at 18.8%, but in 2020, they dropped to 116.4 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a 21.6% fall compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 57.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 25.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Turkey, and Austria were the principal sources for Germany's granite building stone imports by volume. Norway accounted for 31.7%, Turkey for 16.1%, and Austria for 9.4%, jointly making up 57.3% 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 granite building stone in value terms showed mixed trends. In 2018, the largest decline was 11.7%, while in 2019, the largest increase was 1.6%. In 2020, imports amounted to 25,781 thousand US dollars, marking a solid 11.1% fall compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy, Norway, and Turkey were important suppliers of granite building stone to Germany by value. Italy accounted for 18.4%, Norway for 16.1%, and Turkey for 14.4%, but their combined share reached only 49.0% of total imports, with the remaining 51.0% distributed among many other partners.

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

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