Rare gases market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the Czech rare gases market experienced notable fluctuations in volume. Market size declined from 37.2 million cubic meters in 2018 to a low of 27.9 million cubic meters in 2022, before partially recovering to 29.3 million cubic meters by 2024. In value terms, the market demonstrated a different trajectory, rising sharply from $34.5 million in 2018 to a peak of $63.4 million in 2023, indicating significant price increases or a shift in the product mix before easing to $53.6 million in 2024.

Entering 2025, new European and Czech legislative measures began affecting the technical gases sector, which includes certain rare gases used in industrial applications. A ban on selling appliances containing fluorinated greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential took effect, driving a technological shift in cooling and drying equipment. Concurrently, new operator certification and safety requirements for gas installations were implemented, increasing compliance demands for industry players. These regulatory changes coincided with global supply factors, notably export restrictions on rare earth elements from China, which impacted raw material availability and prices on the European market.

Production rare gases in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, rare gases production in Czechia increased in 2021. Output was valued at 28 164 K $ US, marking a 14.0% year-over-year growth. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 24 699 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

In 2021, Czechia produced 32 052 K m³ of rare gases, representing a significant 13.2% year-over-year drop. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 21.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 14.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Exports rare gases from Czechia

Exports in kind, K m³

In 2021, foreign rare gases supplies from Czechia amounted to 11 530 K m³, a decrease of 9.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 16%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 0.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany formed the core group of markets for exports in kind. Poland accounted for 45.1% of exports, Slovakia for 32.6%, and Germany for 9.5%, together representing 87.2% of total flows.

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

Exported rare gases volumes from Czechia increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports reached 8 938 K $ US, up by 8.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 18%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary accounted for the largest share of exports in value terms. Slovakia represented 40.4% of exports, Poland 28.2%, and Hungary 11.9%, together comprising 80.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports rare gases to Czechia

Imports in kind, K m³

Rare gases shipments to Czechia from abroad declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports amounted to 7 475 K m³, corresponding to a sharp loss of 27.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 629 K m³, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Poland were the dominant destinations for imports in kind of rare gases to Czechia, jointly accounting for 84.2% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

In 2021, imported rare gases volumes in Czechia stood at 14 972 K $ US, indicating a solid gain of 17.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 43%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 5.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 28.2%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Germany, Poland, and Hungary led the structure of imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 35.1% of imports, Poland for 22.9%, and Hungary for 14.6%, together representing 72.6% of total flows.

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

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