Gypsum, anhydrite and limestone market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the German market for gypsum, anhydrite and limestone was supported by stable domestic supply of natural stone and the consistent use of REA-gypsum from flue gas desulfurization, which covered about 55% of national demand. This kept the market volume near 18.7 million tonnes. However, first slight reductions in REA-gypsum output, due to declining coal-fired power generation, began to constrain supply, contributing to the market's decline to 17.8 million tonnes in 2019.

Market volume experienced a minor increase to 18.0 million tonnes in 2020 before contracting to 17.6 million tonnes in 2021. A significant demand driver emerged in 2022 when gypsum and anhydrite were designated the 'Rock of the Year', boosting public interest and consumption, which helped lift the market back to 18.2 million tonnes.

From 2023 onwards, government energy and climate policy aiming for a coal phase-out by 2038 drastically reduced the availability of REA-gypsum. This growing supply shortage became the primary market constraint, driving the market volume down to 16.4 million tonnes in 2023 and further to 15.2 million tonnes in 2024.

Production gypsum, anhydrite and limestone in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone reached $262.5 million in 2020, marking a modest increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $248.1 million, while the highest occurred in 2018 at $278.8 million. The most significant decline took place in 2019 with an 11.0% drop, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018, rising by 7.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone production in Germany saw an uptick. In 2020, Germany produced 16 155 thousand tons, showing a slight improvement of 3.0% over the prior year. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 15 686 thousand tons, with the largest decrease occurring in 2018 at 1.9%.

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

Exports gypsum, anhydrite and limestone from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of growth, Germany's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone experienced a decline. In 2020, exports totaled 1 045 thousand tons, down 1.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 1 058 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium consistently led as the top destinations for Germany's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in volume terms. Luxembourg accounted for 22.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 21.7%, and Belgium for 14.3%, together making up 58.9% of total export 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, K $ US

Germany's exports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in value terms amounted to $44.926 million in 2020, rising by 9.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 21.4%, with a CAGR of 6.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.1%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, up by 15.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's export partners for gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in value terms were diverse. The Netherlands led with 22.1% of exports, followed by France at 13.6%, and Switzerland at 12.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 48.3% 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 gypsum, anhydrite and limestone to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany imported 2 850 thousand tons of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone, representing a significant drop of 10.9% from the previous year. The highest volume was in 2018 at 3 674 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging by 71.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Austria, and Belgium were the main sources for Germany's imports of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone in volume terms. Poland contributed 33.6% of imports, Austria 19.5%, and Belgium 18.1%, collectively accounting for 71.2% 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

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import values reached their highest in 2018 and their lowest in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 1.9 times. In 2020, Germany imported gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone valued at $44.365 million, down 16.5% year-over-year. The peak value was in 2018 at $44.365 million, which also saw the largest increase of 93.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Poland, France, and Austria were the primary suppliers of gypsum, anhydrite, and limestone to Germany in value terms. Poland accounted for 31.8% of imports, France for 21.6%, and Austria for 16.2%, together making up 69.5% of total import value.

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

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