Hydrogen chloride market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the German hydrogen chloride market was influenced by increasing focus on hydrogen technologies as part of the energy transition. Political support, including the post-pandemic stimulus package, laid the groundwork for investments. However, in 2019, market volume fell to 373 thousand tonnes. In 2020, the beginning of the conversion of European chlor-alkali plants from mercury-based to membrane cell technology, driven by EU legislation, directly affected hydrogen chloride production, contributing to its increase to 1 024 thousand tonnes and raising market volume to 576 thousand tonnes.

In 2021-2022, strengthened political measures and support programs for green hydrogen, along with the entry of new players and expansion of production capacities, supported demand. Market volume grew to 689 thousand tonnes in 2021 but slightly declined to 677 thousand tonnes in 2022 due to changes in energy and environmental standards legislation that impacted production costs. By 2023, over 90% of European chlor-alkali plants had completed the switch to membrane technology, reducing energy consumption. In 2024, global factors including crude oil price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions led to a further drop in market volume to 591 thousand tonnes, despite increased investment in hydrogen projects.

Production hydrogen chloride in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's hydrogen chloride production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 59 564 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 10.5% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 1 024 thousand tonnes of hydrogen chloride, showing a moderate 7.5% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 2.5%, averaging 0.8% per year. The lowest output was in 2019 at 953 thousand tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 1 028 thousand tonnes. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 7.3% decline.

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

Exports hydrogen chloride from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, hydrogen chloride exports from Germany fell. In 2020, export volume stood at 613.6 thousand tonnes, down 18.6% from the previous year. The highest level was in 2019 at 753.9 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 21.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium were the key destinations for Germany's hydrogen chloride exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 21.3% of exports, France for 20.9%, and Belgium for 9.0%, together making up 51.3% 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, K $ US

Hydrogen chloride exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 50 146 thousand US dollars, a 3.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 10.9%, with an average annual rate of 3.5%. The peak value was in 2018 at 52 577 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase that year was 16.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's hydrogen chloride exports in value terms were not highly concentrated. France led with 16.7% of exports, followed by Belgium at 11.7% and China at 6.8%, together accounting for 35.3% of total 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 hydrogen chloride to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Hydrogen chloride imports into Germany dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were 165.5 thousand tonnes, a moderate 5.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 19.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 254.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop in 2019 at 31.2% and the biggest rise in 2018 at 23.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the main sources for Germany's hydrogen chloride imports in volume terms, together representing 75.6% of total imports.

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

Hydrogen chloride imports into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 13 733 thousand US dollars, up 17.8% from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 85.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium were the primary markets for Germany's hydrogen chloride imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 30.2% of imports, Austria for 22.9%, and Belgium for 21.5%, together making up 74.6% of total flows.

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

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