Synthetic latex rubber market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German synthetic latex rubber market was characterized by significant industry investments into production for technical elastomers, primarily used in automotive tires. Despite this, market volume in physical terms began a gradual decline. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 notably increased demand for synthetic latex polymers for medical applications like gloves and masks, altering demand patterns within the sector, though broader supply chain disruptions contributed to the overall contraction in volume.

From 2021, the industry's focus shifted decisively towards sustainable production methods and the development of bio-based monomers to reduce the carbon footprint of synthetic rubber. Coupled with robust demand from the automotive industry, particularly for electric vehicles requiring specialized elastomers, these factors drove a marked increase in the market's monetary value in 2021 and 2022, even as the physical volume continued to decline. Major investments in R&D for new rubber types with enhanced properties supported this trend toward higher-value products.

The enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in mid-2023, which does not apply to synthetic rubber, underscored the regulatory push for sustainability. The industry continued to advance through innovation, including the launch in 2024 of a major three-year Fraunhofer project to develop novel rubber types from bio-based feedstocks for tires. Concurrently, substantial private equity investments flowed into European joint ventures for producing technical synthetic rubber, especially for electric vehicle battery seals, signaling a strategic pivot within a contracting volume market.

Production synthetic latex rubber in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's synthetic latex rubber production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 527.7 million US dollars, marking a significant 17.5% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 31.6%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 11.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's synthetic latex rubber production volume has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 636.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a moderate 6.2% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 11.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.9%.

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

Exports synthetic latex rubber from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's synthetic latex rubber export volume has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 373.4 thousand tonnes, which is 6.1% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export destinations for synthetic latex rubber were quite scattered. Belgium accounted for 11.9% of exports in kind, Italy for 9.7%, and France for 9.1%, together making up just 30.7% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant during this period.

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 synthetic latex rubber exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 358.8 million US dollars, down 17.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 31.5%, with a CAGR of -11.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 566.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 23.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export structure in value terms was highly diversified. Belgium contributed 12.0% of exports in value, China 10.3%, and the Netherlands 8.8%, together accounting for only 31.1% of total flows. The remaining 68.9% came from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports synthetic latex rubber to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's imports of synthetic latex rubber totaled 43.1 thousand tonnes, representing an 8.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 15.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 5.3%. The largest drop was in 2018, down 14.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, up 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the leading source for Germany's synthetic latex rubber imports in kind, accounting for 39.6%, followed by Spain at 19.7%, and France at 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 70.1% 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, M $ US

Germany's synthetic latex rubber imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 47.0 million US dollars, which is 17.1% less than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 27%, with a CAGR of -10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the primary supplier of synthetic latex rubber to Germany in value terms, accounting for 31.3% of imports, followed by Spain at 16.7%, and France at 13.9%. These three countries jointly made up 61.9% of total import value.

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

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