Refractory ceramic constructional goods excluding those of siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for refractory ceramic constructional goods in Germany contracted by over 20%, falling from 424 thousand tons to 332 thousand tons. This downturn was initially triggered by rising energy costs and trade policy uncertainties, which dampened construction sector activity. The collapse accelerated in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted raw material supplies and caused labor shortages, severely limiting production and consumption.

A rebound followed in 2021–2022, with market volume climbing to 374 thousand tons and then to 443 thousand tons. The recovery was fueled by increased demand for specialized refractory materials that offer precise thermal and chemical resistance, driven by the needs of the steel, cement, and glass industries. Infrastructure investments further supported adoption of these high-performance products.

By 2024, the market value had decreased to $391 million, suggesting continued pressure from high energy prices and geopolitical instability, though volume data for the later years remains unavailable.

Production refractory constructional ceramics in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 736.6 million US dollars, marking a significant reduction of 15.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 960.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 554.3 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a decrease of 15.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%.

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

Exports refractory constructional ceramics from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's export volume of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 322.7 thousand tonnes, down by 13.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 20.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.4%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 426.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.9%.

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

The partner structure of Germany's exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with Italy accounting for 6.5% of exports, India for 5.2%, and France for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 15.6% of total export flows, and no single country held a dominant share.

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 export value of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 528.0 million US dollars, reflecting a solid drop of 11.5% year-over-year. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 653.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.5%.

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

The partner structure of Germany's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented, with Italy accounting for 6.3% of exports, India for 4.9%, and the United States for 4.4%. Combined, these three countries made up only 15.5% of total export flows, with no single country achieving a dominant position.

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

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

Imports refractory constructional ceramics to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Germany's import volume of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 100.4 thousand tonnes, down by 15.1% from 2019. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 118.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 14.2%.

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

An analysis of Germany's imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. China accounted for 14.5% of imports, Czechia for 13.5%, and Austria for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 41.4% of total import flows, with the remaining 58.6% spread across other partners.

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 a two-year uptick, Germany's import value of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 149.2 million US dollars, reflecting a solid drop of 15.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 177.3 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 27.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Austria were the largest suppliers of refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths, to Germany in value terms. China accounted for 16.3% of imports, Italy for 16.2%, and Austria for 14.4%. Together, they made up 46.9% of total imports, against a backdrop of numerous smaller partners.

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

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