Silicones in primary forms market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German silicones market opened the period at 641 thousand tons in 2018, driven by demand from the automotive, industrial, and construction sectors, along with continuous innovation in electric vehicles and healthcare. Market volume then contracted to 588 thousand tons by 2020, as broader economic conditions moderated activity despite ongoing demand from key industries.

A recovery to 612 thousand tons occurred in 2021, followed by a dip to 585 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, however, the market reached $4.2 billion in 2022, reflecting strong market activity. During this phase, Wacker Chemie AG invested in production capacity expansions to meet rising demand from the automotive and electronics sectors.

Global factors influenced the market in 2023, including China's green manufacturing initiative and Shin-Etsu Chemical's plans for a new production site in China, coinciding with a drop in market value to $3.3 billion. In 2024, Wacker Chemie's expansion of silicone rubber production in Nünchritz and Shin-Etsu's global price increase of at least 10% from July contributed to a slight value recovery to $3.3 billion, even as physical volume declined to 554 thousand tons.

Production silicones in primary forms in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of silicones in primary forms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 2 555 million US dollars, marking a modest 6.2% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.4%. The peak was reached in 2018, with production valued at 3 026 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, at 10.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 13.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of silicones in primary forms decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 511.7 thousand tonnes, which is 1.2% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The highest volume was achieved in 2018, at 544.3 thousand tonnes. The sharpest decline took place in 2019, at 4.9%, whereas the largest increase was seen in 2018, at 2.5%.

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

Exports silicones in primary forms from Germany

According to market analysis, Germany did not export silicones in primary forms from 2017 to 2020.

Imports silicones in primary forms to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of silicones in primary forms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 76 365 tonnes, down 10.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.8%, averaging an annual decline of 5.2%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018, at 97 042 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019, at 12.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of silicones in primary forms to Germany were the United Kingdom, accounting for 21.5% of imports in volume, Belgium with 17.8%, and France at 16.9%. Together, these three countries made up 56.2% of Germany's total imports in this category.

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 silicones in primary forms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 434.7 million US dollars, showing a significant 10.9% decrease compared to the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 5.2%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 560.9 million US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019, at 13.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 22.4%.

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

In value terms, Germany's imports of silicones in primary forms from 2017 to 2020 were quite diversified. The United States led with 18.0% of imports by value, followed by the Netherlands at 15.4% and Belgium at 15.3%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 48.7% of total imports, with the remaining 51.3% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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