Metal permanent magnets market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German market for metal permanent magnets saw initial stability followed by a sharp contraction. In 2018, the market volume stood at 16 897 т, supported by growing demand for magnets in hybrid and electric vehicle drivetrains, where each vehicle uses 1 to 2.4 kg of permanent magnets. By 2020, however, market volume had fallen to 13 367 т, a decline of over 20%.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021 and 2022, reaching 15 839 т in physical terms by 2022. In value terms, the recovery was even more pronounced, with the market surging to $872.6 млн in 2022, more than doubling from its 2020 level.

From 2023, the market volume contracted again, dropping to 12 833 т in 2023 and edging up only slightly to 13 076 т in 2024. This period was marked by supply chain pressures from the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected raw material availability. Concurrently, Germany's dependence on Chinese imports reached 86%, and major industry players like Hitachi Metals and General Motors launched new high-performance neodymium-based magnet series for electric vehicles, reflecting a market focused on technological advancement amid broader challenges.

Production metal permanent magnets in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of metal permanent magnets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 203.1 million US dollars, representing a 16.9% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 312.2 million US dollars, then fell by 21.7% in 2019, followed by a smaller decline of 3.5% in 2020. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 32.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 12.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's production of metal permanent magnets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output amounted to 6 031 tonnes, marking a significant 32.7% drop compared to 2019. Production reached its highest level in 2018 at 9 771 tonnes, then increased slightly by 1.1% that year before declining sharply. From 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 37.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -14.5%.

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

Exports metal permanent magnets from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of metal permanent magnets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 4 210 tonnes, showing a modest 2.1% decrease compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 4 643 tonnes, with a notable 12.6% increase that year, followed by a 7.4% decline in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.1%, averaging an annualized rate of 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of metal permanent magnets were relatively evenly distributed across markets. The top three destinations—Czechia (16.7% of exports), France (10.2%), and the United States (7.5%)—collectively accounted for 34.4% of total export volumes.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's exports of metal permanent magnets were valued at 217.5 million US dollars, reflecting a slight 2.2% increase compared to the previous year. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 212.9 million US dollars, after an 11.9% decline that year, and peaked in 2018 at 241.6 million US dollars, following a 13.0% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of metal permanent magnets in value terms were broadly spread across various markets. The United States (11.5% of export value), France (10.8%), and Czechia (9.6%) together represented 31.9% 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 metal permanent magnets to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's imports of metal permanent magnets declined in 2020. Volume totaled 11 546 tonnes, down 7.0% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2019 at 12 410 tonnes, following a substantial 25.5% increase in 2018. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 23.1%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Germany's imports of metal permanent magnets, accounting for 75.1% of total import volumes, with other countries making up the remainder.

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, M $ US

After two years of gains, Germany's imports of metal permanent magnets declined in 2020. The value came to 437.2 million US dollars, down 3.8% year-over-year. Imports reached their highest level in 2019 at 454.5 million US dollars, after a 23.8% increase in 2018. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 19.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, three key markets—China, the Philippines, and Japan—were central to Germany's imports of metal permanent magnets in value terms, together accounting for 83.5% 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