Stearic acid market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The stearic acid market in Germany has been shaped by its strong presence in the European cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, which consumed over 650 000 tons annually. Major players like BASF SE have focused on sustainable product development, while consumer preferences shifted toward plant-based and natural ingredients even before 2020. This foundation set the stage for subsequent market movements.

From 2020 to 2022, the market expanded rapidly, with its value rising from $96.5 million to $191.6 million. The initial boost came from heightened hygiene awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for stearic acid in soaps and sanitizers. Companies like Wilmar International responded by expanding production capacity. In 2021 and 2022, growth was further driven by the rising use of stearic acid in cosmetics and cleaning agents, alongside innovations such as BASF's CO2-certified sustainable ingredients and the adoption of new quality assurance technologies. Stricter sustainability regulations also encouraged market participants to enhance traceability and adopt certified raw materials like RSPO palm stearin.

After peaking in 2022, the market contracted to $141.2 million in 2023, a decline of 26%, before recovering moderately to $151.5 million in 2024. This adjustment followed the period of strong growth, though specific drivers for the downturn and subsequent rebound were not highlighted in the available sources.

Production stearic acid in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

Exports stearic acid from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's stearic acid exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 34 923 tons of stearic acid, marking a slight decrease of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany supplied stearic acid to numerous markets. Even the largest destinations—Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for only 38.2% of total exports in volume terms.

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

After a two-year decline, Germany's stearic acid exports in value terms increased. In 2020, exports reached 38 189 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest gain of 8.2% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 307 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 14.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany exported stearic acid to a wide range of markets. Belgium (13.0% of exports in value terms), the United Kingdom (11.8%), and France (9.1%) together made up only 34.0% of total exports in value terms, with many smaller destinations comprising the remaining 66.0%.

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

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

Imports stearic acid to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's stearic acid imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 56 881 tons of stearic acid, which is 9.6% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 15.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 48 434 tons, with the largest decline also occurring in 2018 at 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (35.2% of imports in volume terms), Sweden (21.8%), and Belgium (20.0%) formed the key group of partners for stearic acid imports to Germany, jointly representing 77.0% of total 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

After a two-year decline, Germany's stearic acid imports in value terms increased. In 2020, imports totaled 54 899 thousand US dollars, representing a 21.6% gain from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 6.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 45 135 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 8.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, three main markets—the Netherlands, Sweden, and Belgium—together accounted for 74.3% of total imports in value terms of stearic acid to Germany.

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

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