Ni-MH accumulators market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2025, the Czech market for nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) accumulators was primarily supplied by imports, which declined in volume from over 20 thousand units in 2018 to around 7 thousand by 2023. The market volume, measured in thousand pieces, grew from 7.3 thousand in 2021 to 7.6 thousand in 2022 before contracting to 5.9 thousand in 2023. In value terms, the market size consistently decreased from $331.3 million in 2021 to $215.6 million in 2023. This overall trajectory occurred alongside a persistent industry trend, noted as early as 2018, of replacing Ni-MH batteries with lithium-ion technology, particularly in the automotive sector.

A temporary uplift in market volume during 2022 was supported by technological advancements and new product launches. Panasonic commenced production of new high-capacity Ni-MH batteries designed for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, enhancing product availability and stimulating interest within the electromobility segment. Concurrently, the introduction of Ni-MH batteries with improved resistance to high temperatures helped sustain demand in the consumer electronics market.

The market operated within a framework shaped by EU-wide sustainability and battery recycling directives, with local recycler Kovohutě Příbram participating in the processing chain. However, the broader shift toward more advanced battery chemistries remained the dominant influence on market dynamics throughout the period.

Production Ni-MH accumulators in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

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

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Exports Ni-MH accumulators from Czechia

Exports in kind, K unit

The market showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point, then surged to a peak in 2020 — representing a 2.8-fold increase between those years. In 2021, Czechia exported 1 831 thousand units of nickel-metal hydride accumulators, marking a slight 2.8% decrease from 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 885 thousand units, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019 with a substantial 98.0% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Slovakia, and Austria consistently formed the core markets for Czechia's exports in kind. Germany accounted for 41.2% of these exports, Slovakia for 20.8%, and Austria for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 69.9% of total export flows in volume terms.

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, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Czechia's cross-border shipments of nickel-metal hydride accumulators declined in 2021. Exports totaled 7.4 million US dollars that year, representing a 1.7% decrease from 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 50.6% overall, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 14.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 7.5 million US dollars, while the strongest annual increase occurred in 2019 with 29.7% growth.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland emerged as the primary markets for Czechia's exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.2% of export value, Slovakia for 10.5%, and Poland for 6.4%. Collectively, these three destinations represented 59.1% of total export flows measured in monetary terms.

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

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

Imports Ni-MH accumulators to Czechia

Imports in kind, K unit

Czechia's imports of nickel-metal hydride accumulators declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. Import volume totaled 9 124 thousand units, reflecting a sharp 25.5% reduction compared to 2020. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 54.6% overall, equivalent to an annualized decline of 23.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 23 529 thousand units. The most significant annual decrease occurred in 2020 with a 48.0% drop, while the largest increase happened in 2019 with 17.1% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Hungary, and China remained the leading sources for Czechia's imports in kind. Germany supplied 48.0% of imports by volume, Hungary contributed 27.1%, and China accounted for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 90.9% of total import flows measured in physical units.

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, M $ US

Czechia's imports of nickel-metal hydride accumulators increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. Import value reached 338.3 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial 30.1% gain from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by an impressive 818.1%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 109.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary dominated Czechia's imports of nickel-metal hydride accumulators in value terms, accounting for 82.1% of total import value. The remaining imports were distributed across a diverse range of smaller trading partners.

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

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