Nickel oxides and hydroxides market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

German nickel oxides and hydroxides production increased steadily from 6.7 million dollars in 2019 to 9.3 million dollars in 2024. This rise contributed to an overall market size expansion from 12.6 million dollars to 13.6 million dollars over the same period, despite a temporary contraction in 2021 when imports dropped sharply.

From 2023, the market was driven by rising global demand for batteries in electric vehicles and portable electronics, which boosted consumption of nickel hydroxide. Technological advances in nickel oxide nanoparticles improved energy storage efficiency, while major producers like Sumitomo Metal Mining expanded capacity for battery-grade material to meet this demand.

Regulatory developments also shaped the market, with the EU establishing nickel limits in food under Regulation EU 2024/1987, set to take effect in 2025, and updates to industrial emission rules under Directive (EU) 2024/1785, influencing production standards and environmental compliance in Germany.

Production nickel oxides and hydroxides in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of nickel oxides and hydroxides was valued at 7 316 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.0% increase compared to the previous year.

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

Exports nickel oxides and hydroxides from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of nickel oxides and hydroxides declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 19.5 tonnes, down 35.0% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 63.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 28.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Austria, and Sweden were the primary markets for Germany's nickel oxides and hydroxides exports in kind. The United States accounted for 45.7% of exports, Austria for 18.3%, and Sweden for 16.5%, together representing 80.5% 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

Germany's exports of nickel oxides and hydroxides in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 661 thousand US dollars, showing a significant drop of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 32.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Austria, and Sweden continued to be the main buyers of nickel oxides and hydroxides from Germany in value terms. The United States held a 42.3% share of exports, Austria 15.3%, and Sweden 14.3%, collectively forming 72.0% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports nickel oxides and hydroxides to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Germany's imports of nickel oxides and hydroxides increased in 2020. Imports reached 519.6 tonnes, reflecting a 12.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 462.6 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 19.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia was the key supplier of nickel oxides and hydroxides to Germany, accounting for 74.9% of total imports in kind. The remaining imports were distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

Following a two-year drop, Germany's imports of nickel oxides and hydroxides from abroad increased in 2020. Imports reached 7 827 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 17.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 666 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia remained the main source for nickel oxides and hydroxides to Germany, taking 72.1% of total imports in value terms. The rest was spread across other countries.

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

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