Phosphorus market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2019 and 2021, the German phosphorus market saw fluctuations in volume and value. In 2020, market volume fell to 35 225 t, down 3.1% from the previous year, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused demand shocks and production disruptions. The market's value also declined to $124.1 million. However, in 2021, volume rebounded to 37 765 t, a 7.2% increase, while value rose to $141.0 million. This recovery was driven by the European Union and Germany seeking alternative supply sources amid rising global phosphorus fertilizer prices, which were exacerbated by trade restrictions and sanctions against key suppliers like Belarus.

The market shifted dramatically in 2022. Despite an 8.8% drop in physical volume to 34 424 t, the market's value surged by 29.4% to $182.5 million due to sharply higher fertilizer prices fueled by geopolitical tensions from the Ukraine war. These pressures continued into 2023, leading to a sharp contraction: market volume plummeted by 45.7% to 18 697 t, and value fell to $116.1 million. High prices and supply constraints significantly reduced imports, which fell from 33 723 t in 2022 to 17 982 t in 2023.

By 2024, the market showed signs of stabilization, with value edging up to $117.6 million. Underlying this trend were growing segments such as LED phosphors, supported by new technological innovations from companies like Toshiba and regulatory standards for energy-efficient lighting, as well as increased demand for sustainable phosphorus sources and organic fertilizers, with companies like Yara International introducing new environmentally friendly products.

Production phosphorus in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's phosphorus output was valued at 22 121 thousand US dollars, marking a 20.9% decrease compared to 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany produced 837.9 tonnes of phosphorus in 2020, which represents a 7.4% decline from the previous year.

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

Exports phosphorus from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Phosphorus exports from Germany fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volumes reached 302 tonnes, reflecting an 86.4% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 94.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -62.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark remained the primary destination for Germany's phosphorus exports in volume terms, accounting for 75.2% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among various other countries.

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 phosphorus export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1.5 million US dollars, showing a sharp 78.8% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 91.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of -56.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, Denmark accounted for 70.3% of Germany's phosphorus export value, with the rest spread across a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports phosphorus to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Germany's phosphorus import volumes declined. In 2020, imports stood at 34 689 tonnes, a 7.9% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 9%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 650 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Poland together dominated Germany's phosphorus imports in volume, capturing 84.3% of total flows, with the remainder thinly spread across other markets.

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

After two years of gains, Germany's phosphorus import value declined. In 2020, imports totaled 110.7 million US dollars, indicating a moderate 6.5% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value rose by 8.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 110.7 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.0%.

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

In 2017–2020, Kazakhstan (52.9% of import value), Poland (26.6%), and Vietnam (7.3%) led Germany's phosphorus import structure in value terms, collectively representing 86.8% 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