NPK fertilizers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German NPK fertilizers market began the period under the influence of the new Fertilizer Ordinance (Düngeverordnung), introduced in 2018, which restricted the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, thereby reducing demand for NPK blends. This regulatory shift contributed to a decline in market volume, which stood at 467.3 thousand tonnes in 2019. In 2020, although fertilizer prices were lower, adverse weather conditions such as rain and wind made application difficult, leading to a further drop in market volume to 411.0 thousand tonnes.

A sharp turn occurred in 2021 when fertilizer prices surged globally due to rising energy costs and high demand, making NPK fertilizers more expensive and scarce. This price shock caused farmers to reduce purchases, cutting market volume to 322.9 thousand tonnes, though the market value rose to 188.8 million US dollars. The situation intensified in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, which severed supplies of Russian nitrogen and potash fertilizers, driving prices even higher and increasing volatility. Farmers responded by further reducing application rates, which pushed market volume down to 283.9 thousand tonnes, while the market value soared to 246.0 million US dollars due to elevated prices.

By 2024, the market had stabilized with calm conditions and steady prices, though the volume continued to contract, reaching 244.6 thousand tonnes. During this period, a growing segment of polymer-coated NPK fertilizers emerged, linked to increasing demand for precision agriculture, although regulatory hurdles could delay the launch of new products in this niche.

Production NPK fertilizers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of NPK fertilizers was valued at 199.7 million US dollars, marking a 2.8% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 296.4 thousand tonnes of NPK fertilizers, representing an 8.9% year-over-year reduction.

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

Exports NPK fertilizers from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's cross-border shipments of NPK fertilizers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 250.3 thousand tonnes, showing a slight contraction of 2.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 11.3%, which equates to an annualized rate of 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's portfolio of buyers for NPK fertilizers was broad. Belgium accounted for 19.4% of exports in kind, China for 11.1%, and Italy for 8.3%, with these three countries together contributing only 38.8% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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

NPK fertilizer shipments from Germany to abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 153.2 million US dollars worth of NPK fertilizers, constituting a modest fall of 4.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 169.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms was scattered. Belgium represented 17.6% of exports in value terms, China 9.6%, and Italy 8.3%, with these three countries together accounting for just 35.5% of total flows. No single partner stood out as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports NPK fertilizers to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's import volume of NPK fertilizers reached 364.8 thousand tonnes, representing a moderate reduction of 8.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 26.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 357.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 27.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 11.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria played leading roles in Germany's imports of NPK fertilizers in kind. Belgium accounted for 34.4% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 16.1%, and Austria for 14.9%, with these three countries jointly taking 65.4% of total flows.

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

In 2020, cross-border shipments of NPK fertilizers to Germany totalled 135.2 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial drop of 11.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 19.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 11.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Austria remained the key directions for Germany's imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 33.1% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 20.4%, and Austria for 13.4%, with these three countries together taking 66.8% of total flows.

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

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