Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for aggregates in Germany saw a modest increase in volume from 191.4 million tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 194.5 million tonnes in 2020. After that, consumption entered a downward trend, falling to 188.0 million tonnes in 2021 and further to 165.2 million tonnes by 2024. In contrast, the market's value in dollar terms began rising from 2020 onward, reaching over 1.98 billion dollars in 2024 despite lower physical volumes, indicating a significant increase in average prices.

In 2024, high energy costs and Europe-wide energy scarcity drove up prices for construction aggregates, explaining the higher market value even as volume declined. Simultaneously, industry players like Heidelberg Materials expanded their networks of CSC-certified sand and gravel plants to meet growing demand for sustainable building materials. Demand for low-carbon concrete rose by 20% compared to 2022, supported by environmental regulations and carbon neutrality targets, steering production toward more certified and eco-friendly aggregates.

Production aggregates grade pebbles, gravel, crushed stone in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 845 million US dollars, marking an 8.8% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

In 2020, Germany produced 200.5 million tonnes of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone, a 1.6% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.3%.

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

Exports aggregates grade pebbles, gravel, crushed stone from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany exported 8 539 thousand tonnes of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone in 2020, showing a modest decrease of 9.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 17.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 10.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland were the primary markets for Germany's exports of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 48.2% of exports, Luxembourg for 14.6%, and Switzerland for 11.1%, together representing 73.9% 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, M $ US

In 2020, shipments of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone from Germany abroad totaled 115.7 million US dollars, indicating a gradual decline of 7.3% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg consistently served as the main destinations for Germany's exports in value terms. The Netherlands held 43.4% of exports, Switzerland 16.0%, and Luxembourg 15.6%, collectively accounting for 75.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports aggregates grade pebbles, gravel, crushed stone to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Germany's imports of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone in kind declined. In 2020, imports reached 2 567 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp drop of 36.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 8.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 4 051 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 61.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Norway, and Denmark were the key sources for Germany's imports of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone in kind, together absorbing 76.6% of total imports.

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

Following a two-year rise, Germany's imports of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone in value terms decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 44.0 million US dollars, representing a 33.0% year-over-year decline. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The highest value was in 2019 at 65.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 55.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Norway, and Denmark were the main sources for Germany's imports in value terms of pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone. France contributed 26.5% of imports, Norway 21.3%, and Denmark 18.0%, together making up 65.8% of total imports.

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

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