Germany: Lactam Market 2025

Lactam Market Size in Germany

In 2021, the German lactam market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, the total consumption indicated a modest increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -19.3% against 2018 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Lactam Production in Germany

In value terms, lactam production expanded modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 9.8%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lactam Exports

Exports from Germany

In 2021, overseas shipments of lactams from heterocyclic compounds increased by 2.8% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a mild shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 16%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lactam exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Poland (X tons), Switzerland (X tons) and Slovenia (X tons) were the main destinations of lactam exports from Germany, with a combined 52% share of total exports. Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands, Hungary, Australia, Belgium, France, China, Taiwan (Chinese) and Malaysia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 37%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Australia (with a CAGR of +79.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Switzerland ($X), Poland ($X) and Italy ($X) were the largest markets for lactam exported from Germany worldwide, together comprising 40% of total exports. Slovenia, Australia, Turkey, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, China, Malaysia and Taiwan (Chinese) lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +29.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lactam export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 38% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 41% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+17.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lactam Imports

Imports into Germany

In 2021, supplies from abroad of lactams from heterocyclic compounds was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lactam imports declined remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 399% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Belgium (X tons) constituted the largest lactam supplier to Germany, accounting for a 80% share of total imports. Moreover, lactam imports from Belgium exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Poland (X tons), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was held by the Netherlands (X tons), with a 3.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Belgium totaled +2.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Poland (-2.2% per year) and the Netherlands (+27.5% per year).

In value terms, Ireland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lactams from heterocyclic compounds to Germany, comprising 90% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with a 7% share of total imports. It was followed by Poland, with a 1.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Ireland totaled +525.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-1.3% per year) and Poland (-3.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average lactam import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -38.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, enjoyed a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 381% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ireland (+53.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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