Iron oxides, hydroxides and iron earth colours market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for iron oxides, hydroxides and earth colours showed a clear cyclical pattern between 2018 and 2024. Market value grew consistently from $370 million in 2018, reaching a high of $503 million in 2022, before contracting to $386 million in 2024. A similar trajectory was observed in physical volume, which increased from 265 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 291 thousand tonnes in 2020, with later data pointing to a market size of 235 thousand tonnes by the end of the period.

The latter part of the period was characterized by notable research and development initiatives aimed at diversifying the applications for iron oxides. In 2024, the specialty chemicals group LANXESS, in collaboration with battery materials manufacturer IBU-tec, developed new high-grade iron oxides specifically for cathodes in lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. Concurrently, the technology startup AMBARtec AG successfully completed practical tests for its iron oxide-based compact hydrogen storage system. These innovations targeted the rapidly growing sectors of energy storage and clean technology, potentially opening new demand segments for the product.

Production iron oxides, hydroxides and iron earth colours in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors reached 345.6 million US dollars in 2020, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 321.6 million US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2019 at 347.2 million US dollars. The largest decline of 2.4% was observed in 2018, followed by the largest increase of 7.9% in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany produced 255.5 thousand tons, representing a slight increase of 1.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 9.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.0%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 226.2 thousand tons. The largest decline of 3.4% occurred in 2018, while the largest increase of 11.0% was recorded in 2019.

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

Exports iron oxides, hydroxides and iron earth colours from Germany

According to market reports, Germany did not export any iron oxides, hydroxides, or iron earth colors from 2017 to 2020.

Imports iron oxides, hydroxides and iron earth colours to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany imported 35 270 tons of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors in 2020, corresponding to a gradual year-over-year decline of 8.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The largest increase of 0.4% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Brazil, and Italy were the largest suppliers of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors to Germany in terms of volume. China accounted for 34.5% of imports, Brazil for 16.4%, and Italy for 9.2%, together forming 60.1% of total imports in kind.

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 import value of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 42 926 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a loss of 9.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 48 513 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase of 3.5% also occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—China, Brazil, and Italy—together accounted for 70.0% of the total import value of iron oxides, hydroxides, and iron earth colors to Germany.

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

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