Natural sands market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for natural sands in Czechia increased from 14 023 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 15 498 thousand tonnes in 2022, driven by sustained demand in construction. During this period, the market operated under a tightening environmental legislative framework, including the declaration of the Váté písky national natural monument in 2019, which restricted sand extraction in protected areas.

A pronounced sand shortage emerged from 2020 onward due to deepening ecological restrictions, public opposition, and complex permitting processes. This led to expectations that 50–60% of active sand quarries would cease operations by 2030, contributing to a sharp 14% contraction in market volume to 13 289 thousand tonnes in 2023. Simultaneously, rising transportation costs became a factor as extraction shifted to more distant sites.

The market saw a partial recovery to 13 873 thousand tonnes in 2024. Regulatory evolution continued, with updates to hygiene requirements for sand in children's playgrounds in 2020, 2022, and 2024, and the 2024 implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, further governing resource extraction. In response, the importance of recycled construction materials grew as an alternative to natural sand.

Production natural sands in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Czechia's natural sands production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 106.4 million US dollars, marking a significant rise of 16.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Czechia's natural sands production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 14 879 thousand tonnes, up by 1.0% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 6.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports natural sands from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, natural sands exports from Czechia have rebounded. In 2021, the country exported 614.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 13.4% year-on-year increase. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.2%, with an annualized decline rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 541.6 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest drop of 14.0% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Czechia's natural sands exports in volume terms were Austria, Slovakia, and Germany. Together, they accounted for 84.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of natural sands exports from Czechia reached 15 797 thousand US dollars, a 25.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 21.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 12 611 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 6.5% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria were the top destinations for Czechia's natural sands exports in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 45.2% of exports, Germany for 17.3%, and Austria for 14.4%, together making up 76.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports natural sands to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decrease, Czechia's natural sands imports have increased. In 2021, imports totaled 642.8 thousand tonnes, up by 12.2% from the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 6.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 572.9 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 15.9% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland and Slovakia were the dominant sources for Czechia's natural sands imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 82.3% of total import flows. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Czechia imported natural sands valued at 17 968 thousand US dollars, a 25.2% increase year-on-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 15.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 17 968 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 14.2% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Germany, and Slovakia were the main sources for Czechia's natural sands imports in value terms. Poland accounted for 28.8% of imports, Germany for 18.7%, and Slovakia for 15.0%, together comprising 62.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021