Propellant powders market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Czech propellant powders market volume contracted from 1 290 t to 688 t, with a sharp drop to 610 t in 2019. Domestic production fell from 1 127 t to 795 t over the same period. This decline in output was partly linked to long-term underinvestment at the state-owned producer Explosia Pardubice, which constrained its manufacturing capacity and safety. In 2019, Explosia responded to growing ammunition demand by announcing plans to expand its range of fully combustible propellant charges for artillery shells, a strategic move aimed at future market needs.

From 2021 onward, propellant powder imports surged, rising from 668 t to a peak of 2 457 t in 2024. This steep increase was directly fueled by the war in Ukraine, which triggered a global spike in demand for ammunition and explosives. In 2022, Explosia secured a €10 million subsidy from the European Commission under the ASAP program to ramp up production of fully combustible modules, aiming to triple its annual capacity by 2027. The company concurrently invested in modernizing its spherical powder and combustible charge manufacturing lines, which supported record financial results and reinforced its central role in the market.

Production propellant powders in Czechia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Czechia's production of propellant powders declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 795 tonnes, marking a 17.3% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2020, production fell by 29.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.0%.

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

Exports propellant powders from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

Czechia exported 655 tonnes of propellant powders in 2021, showing a slight increase of 1.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 30.5%, with an average annual decline of 11.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 647 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 1 069 tonnes. The most significant drop happened in 2020, falling by 39.5%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 13.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Belgium, and Oman were the top buyers of propellant powders from Czechia, accounting for 19.9%, 14.3%, and 11.8% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 46.0% of total exports, indicating a diversified market structure with many other countries involved.

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

In 2021, Czechia's exports of propellant powders in value terms reached 16 111 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial increase of 16.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 5.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 13 835 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 13.6%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, the export market in value terms was highly diversified. Italy, Japan, and China were the leading partners, contributing 20.3%, 13.9%, and 12.6% of exports in value, respectively. Together, they accounted for just 46.8% of total flows, while the remaining 53.2% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports propellant powders to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Czechia's imports of propellant powders rebounded in 2021, totaling 668 tonnes—a solid increase of 23.6% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 39.5%, with an average annual decline of 15.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 540 tonnes, and the largest drop occurred in 2019, falling by 35.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Belarus, and the United States were the primary sources of propellant powders imports to Czechia, accounting for 37.0%, 25.7%, and 22.5% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 85.3% of total imports, highlighting their dominance as key suppliers.

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 propellant powders in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 13 029 thousand US dollars—a sharp rise of 35.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 40.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.0%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Belgium, the United States, and Switzerland were the main sources for Czechia's imports of propellant powders in value terms, contributing 46.5%, 29.3%, and 12.1%, respectively. Their combined share accounted for 88.0% of total import flows, underscoring their significant role in the market.

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

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