Non-ionic surfactants market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German non-ionic surfactants market saw a significant increase in volume and value in 2020 and 2021, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The heightened focus on hygiene and cleaning products boosted demand for surfactants used in these applications. Simultaneously, a sustained consumer shift toward organic and natural products, noted in the market for related goods, provided additional support for market volumes during this period.

Following the peak, the market continued to evolve toward greater sustainability. In 2022, the major player Clariant introduced new bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols, catering to the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. This innovation aligned with the broader industry trend, as the share of renewable feedstocks in organic chemical production in Germany reached about 15% by 2023, underscoring a structural shift in the supply chain.

After 2021, the market volume in physical terms receded, returning close to 2018 levels by 2024. The value of the market exhibited notable volatility, with a sharp increase in 2021-2022 followed by a correction, reflecting fluctuating prices and broader economic conditions that impacted both consumption and trade flows.

Production non-ionic surfactants in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's non-ionic surfactants production reached a value of 982 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 1.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 965 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 1 033 million US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 6.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Non-ionic surfactants production in Germany grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, Germany produced 432.4 thousand tonnes of non-ionic surfactants, showing a moderate increase of 7.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 400.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.7%.

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

Exports non-ionic surfactants from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of non-ionic surfactants increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 337.4 thousand tonnes, reflecting a limited improvement of 3.7% over the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 322.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of non-ionic surfactants in kind were widely distributed across partner countries. France accounted for 12.7% of exports, Belgium for 12.3%, and the United Kingdom for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 33.2% of total export 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, M $ US

In 2020, Germany exported non-ionic surfactants worth 922.1 million US dollars, showing a small uptick of 2.3% compared to the prior year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 901.6 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 964.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.5% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 3.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of Germany's non-ionic surfactants exports in value terms was highly diversified. France contributed 10.4% of export value, Belgium 9.9%, and the Netherlands 7.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 27.8% of total flows, with the remaining 72.2% spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports non-ionic surfactants to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's imports of non-ionic surfactants totalled 132.7 thousand tonnes, representing an advance of 2.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 143.3 thousand tonnes. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 9.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 14.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland were the leading suppliers of non-ionic surfactants to Germany in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 33.0% of imports, Belgium for 22.5%, and Switzerland for 10.2%. Together, these three countries made up 65.6% 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, M $ US

Germany's imports of non-ionic surfactants declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totalled 314.3 million US dollars, indicating a modest contraction of 4.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 364.9 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 9.4% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with an 11.1% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland remained the main sources for Germany's non-ionic surfactants imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 25.5% of import value, Belgium for 15.9%, and Switzerland for 12.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 53.8% 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