Germany: Methanol Market 2024

Methanol Market Size in Germany

The German methanol market contracted slightly to $X in 2022, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +31.2% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Methanol Production in Germany

In value terms, methanol production surged to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 79%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Methanol Exports

Exports from Germany

Methanol exports from Germany contracted to X tons in 2022, which is down by -8.3% compared with 2021 figures. In general, exports continue to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 15%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, methanol exports rose remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 32%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Poland (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Austria (X tons) were the main destinations of methanol exports from Germany, together comprising 83% of total exports. Hungary, Belgium, Switzerland and the Czech Republic lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 12%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Hungary (with a CAGR of +14.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for methanol exported from Germany were Poland ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Austria ($X), with a combined 68% share of total exports. Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland and the Czech Republic lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 13%.

Belgium, with a CAGR of +17.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of 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

The average methanol export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 15% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.1%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Poland ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Belgium (+5.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Methanol Imports

Imports into Germany

Methanol imports into Germany contracted to X tons in 2022, reducing by -8.8% on the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 20%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, methanol imports expanded to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 90%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest methanol supplier to Germany, with a 38% share of total imports. Moreover, methanol imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), threefold. Norway (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from the Netherlands was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+2.3% per year) and Norway (-1.7% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of methanol (methyl alcohol) to Germany, comprising 37% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Norway, with a 10% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands amounted to -1.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-0.8% per year) and Norway (-1.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average methanol import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 58% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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