Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-refractory mortars and concretes in Czechia experienced significant volume swings between 2018 and 2024. After reaching 21 440 thousand tons in 2019, consumption fell to 19 587 thousand tons in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily dampened construction activity. However, government support measures and historically low mortgage rates, which stayed around 2%, helped sustain demand for housing and prevented a sharper drop. The subsequent revival in real estate interest, fueled by inflationary fears and accumulated savings, pushed market volume back to 20 157 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 21 911 thousand tons in 2022. This growth occurred even as new mortgage volumes plunged by 57% year-on-year in 2022, suggesting underlying strength from industrial and logistics construction investments. Volume then declined to 19 496 thousand tons in 2023 and stabilized near 19 091 thousand tons in 2024, coinciding with a gradual recovery in real estate activity aided by falling interest rates and the positive effects of a new building code.

While physical volumes oscillated, the market's value in monetary terms embarked on a sustained upward trajectory from 2021. After hovering between 716 million US dollars and 722 million US dollars in 2019-2020, the market value jumped to 849 million US dollars in 2021 and peaked at 997 million US dollars in 2023. This surge was primarily driven by mounting production costs. A tax and fee scheme for renewable energy sources introduced earlier raised manufacturers' expenses. Record inflation and soaring prices for key inputs like cement were compounded by the 2022 energy crisis, which significantly increased power costs for producers. Although cheaper 'no-name' imports from Eastern Europe exerted some downward pressure on prices, the overall cost push was strong enough to lift the market's total value even in years when volume shrank.

Structural and regulatory factors also shaped the market environment. Amendments to the building law in 2022 and the enactment of a new building code in 2024 introduced changes that affected construction processes. The persistent influx of low-cost imported products created competitive pressure on domestic manufacturers, highlighting calls for fairer market conditions. Concurrently, significant investment into industrial properties and warehouse space, along with a 10% rise in the construction of such facilities, provided a steady source of demand for mortars and concretes. Throughout the period, manufacturers faced continuous pressure to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs to remain competitive.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Czechia's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 843.7 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 17.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 16.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 712.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.5%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2021, Czechia produced 20 190 thousand tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes, showing a slight gain of 3.0% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production increased by 15%, with a CAGR of 4.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 21 477 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 22.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with an 8.7% drop.

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

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

Czechia exported 114.7 thousand tonnes of non-refractory mortars and concretes in 2021, representing an 8.2% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 28.3%, with a CAGR of 10.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 24.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 3.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia and Poland were the dominant destinations for Czech exports in kind, jointly accounting for 83.6% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

Czechia's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 17 328 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a small improvement of 2.7% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 10.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16 504 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 15.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia (53.5% of exports in value terms), Poland (16.6%), and Austria (8.9%) were the main markets for Czech exports in value terms, together accounting for 79.0% of total 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 non-refractory mortars and concretes to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, foreign supplies of non-refractory mortars and concretes to Czechia totalled 81.5 thousand tonnes, representing a strong decline of 20.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 5.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 102.1 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 20.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (30.5% of imports in kind), Slovakia (22.3%), and Austria (17.8%) remained the principal suppliers of non-refractory mortars and concretes to Czechia, jointly accounting for 70.5% of total imports in kind.

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

Czechia's imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 22 815 thousand US dollars, remaining flat compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 4.6%, with a CAGR of 1.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 895 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 9.0% rise.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany (47.6% of imports in value terms), Slovakia (12.2%), and Europe, not elsewhere specified (11.3%) formed the core of Czech imports in value terms, together taking 71.0% of total flows.

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

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