Rubber accelerators, plasticisers, stabilisers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers in Germany contracted significantly from 129.3 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 53.9 thousand tonnes in 2024. This overall decline was interrupted by a recovery to 112.2 thousand tonnes in 2021, followed by a sharp drop to 48.6 thousand tonnes in 2022. In value terms, the market shrank from 439.6 million US dollars in 2018 to 203.7 million US dollars in 2024, mirroring the physical downturn.

During this period, the industry faced specific challenges and developments. In 2021, a shortage of skilled labor in the rubber and plastics industry in Lower Saxonia was noted as a factor influencing production conditions. The following year, major market players undertook significant initiatives: Evonik launched its sustainable liquid polybutadiene POLYVEST eCO in June 2022 for use in adhesives, sealants, and as a rubber additive in tire manufacturing. Simultaneously, Birch Chemicals expanded its global footprint by establishing a new subsidiary in India to serve growing Asian demand.

The market for these additives remains concentrated, dominated by companies like Lanxess, Sennics, Eastman, Kemai Chemical, and Sunsine. Notably, the broader German rubber and plastic goods manufacturing sector reported record revenue of 93.55 billion euros in 2022, driven by quality improvements and innovation, a trend that contrasted with the shrinking volume of the specialised additives market.

Production rubber accelerators, plasticisers, stabilisers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 649.8 million US dollars, marking a 2.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 789.1 million US dollars, which represented an 11.6% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 16.0% decline.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers in Germany fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany produced 225.4 thousand tonnes, which is 2.4% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%.

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

Exports rubber accelerators, plasticisers, stabilisers from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, exports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers from Germany increased. In 2020, Germany exported 208.6 thousand tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 2.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 208.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 2.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers were not concentrated on a few key markets. The United States accounted for 10.1% of exports, France for 9.9%, and Italy for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 27.4% of total export 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

Germany's exports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 704.1 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.7% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 756.9 million US dollars, which represented a 6.0% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.4% drop.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany's exports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. France accounted for 9.1% of exports, Italy for 8.1%, and the United States for 7.7%. Combined, these three countries represented only 24.9% of total export 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 rubber accelerators, plasticisers, stabilisers to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, Germany imported approximately 78.9 thousand tonnes, which is 15.1% lower than in the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.7%, with an average annual decline of 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers came from a broad range of suppliers. Italy accounted for 15.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.4%, and Switzerland for 13.3%. Together, these three countries contributed only 42.3% of total imports, with many other countries holding smaller but significant shares.

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

Germany's imports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 319.1 million US dollars, showing a significant decline of 13.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 407.4 million US dollars, which represented a 3.4% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of rubber accelerators, plasticisers, and stabilisers in value terms were balanced rather than concentrated. Switzerland accounted for 19.5% of imports, Italy for 19.1%, and the United States for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 49.9% of total import flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 50.1%.

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

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