Non-refractory mortars and concretes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-refractory mortars and concretes in Germany, measured in value terms, expanded from $4.8 billion in 2018 to a peak of $5.8 billion in 2021, reflecting sustained activity in the construction sector. This growth was followed by a contraction, with the market value falling to $5.5 billion in 2022 and further to $5.2 billion by 2024. In physical volume, available data shows a decline from 81.6 million tons in 2021 to 79.0 million tons in 2024.

The market contraction observed in 2024 was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in domestic construction activity, as building permits for residential buildings fell by approximately 46% compared to 2022. This significant drop in new project approvals directly reduced demand for construction materials, including mortars and concretes. The sector also experienced changing cost pressures, with lower prices for key raw materials such as lime, clay, gypsum, quartz, and sand, while slightly higher diesel fuel prices increased logistics and production expenses.

Production non-refractory mortars and concretes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of non-refractory mortars and concretes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 5 708 million US dollars, marking a 10.9% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.1%.

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

Exports non-refractory mortars and concretes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Germany's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 1 164 thousand tonnes, up 6.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 5.4%, averaging a 1.8% annual decrease. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 094 thousand tonnes, with the sharpest drop that year at 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg were the top destinations for Germany's non-refractory mortars and concretes exports by volume. Switzerland accounted for 39.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.0%, and Luxembourg for 11.3%, together making up 64.1% of total export volume.

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

Germany's exports of non-refractory mortars and concretes in value terms reached 307.7 million US dollars in 2020, a 3.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 8.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France were significant but not dominant buyers of Germany's non-refractory mortars and concretes in value terms. Switzerland held a 21.1% share, the Netherlands 14.6%, and France 9.5%, collectively accounting for 45.2% of total export value.

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-refractory mortars and concretes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of non-refractory mortars and concretes by volume stood at 307 thousand tonnes in 2020, surging 38.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 60.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 17.0%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, France, and the Netherlands were the leading suppliers of non-refractory mortars and concretes to Germany by volume. Austria contributed 38.7% of imports, France 18.7%, and the Netherlands 14.7%, together representing 72.1% of total import volume.

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-refractory mortars and concretes in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 41.4 million US dollars, a 33.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 67.1%, with an average annual rate of 18.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland were the primary sources for Germany's non-refractory mortars and concretes imports in value terms. Austria accounted for 28.9% of imports, the Netherlands for 12.9%, and Poland for 12.8%, collectively making up 54.5% of total import value.

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

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