Specialized sulfur market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German specialized sulfur market volume gradually declined from 1 041 K t in 2018 to 903 K t in 2020, reflecting a sustained drop in domestic production. A temporary recovery in 2021 raised the volume to 950 K t, though it remained below the 2018 peak.

In 2022, the market stabilized at 932 K t, a mild decrease from the previous year. This period coincided with global geopolitical uncertainties and volatile crude oil prices, which affected supply chains and demand. Additionally, stringent European emission control regulations accelerated the adoption of sulfur recovery and acid regeneration technologies, influencing production dynamics.

A sharp contraction followed, with market volume falling to 694 K t in 2023 and further to 672 K t in 2024, marking the lowest levels in the observed period.

Production specialized sulfur in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the output value of specialized sulfur reached its peak in 2018 at 57,853 thousand US dollars. However, by 2019, this value had declined to 51,743 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 13.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's specialized sulfur production has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2019, the country produced 915 thousand tons, which represents a moderate decline of 7.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, production decreased by 26.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 9.7%.

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

Exports specialized sulfur from Germany

Exports in kind, t

The export market for specialized sulfur showed an unstable trend during the analyzed period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 3,256 tons, with the largest decline of 7.0% recorded that year. By 2019, exports surged by 247.7%, and in 2020, they reached 11,735 tons, reflecting a moderate increase of 3.7% compared to 2019. Overall, from the trough in 2018 to the peak in 2020, exports increased by a factor of 3.6.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria consistently dominated Germany's specialized sulfur exports in kind, accounting for 74.5% of the total. This indicates a high concentration on the Austrian market, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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, K $ US

Germany's specialized sulfur exports in value terms have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, the export value stood at 2,332 thousand US dollars, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 120.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, France, and Thailand were the top destinations for Germany's specialized sulfur exports in value terms. Austria accounted for 31.7% of exports, France for 9.8%, and Thailand for 9.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 50.9% 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 specialized sulfur to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 161 tons of specialized sulfur, which is 38.7% lower than in the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 39.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 28.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 52.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Brazil, and Belgium were the main sources for Germany's specialized sulfur imports in kind. France accounted for 56.5% of imports, Brazil for 17.9%, and Belgium for 10.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 85.3% of total import flows.

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, K $ US

Germany's specialized sulfur imports in value terms totaled 254 thousand US dollars in 2020, down 29.5% from 2019. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 360 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 26.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 26.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Belgium, and Brazil were the leading sources for Germany's specialized sulfur imports in value terms. France accounted for 55.1% of imports, Belgium for 18.5%, and Brazil for 8.0%. Together, these three countries made up 81.6% of total import flows.

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

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