Germany to see drop in both import and export of aluminium powder and flakes this year

The global aluminium powder and flakes market is growing steadily driven by the automotive paints and sealants and other industrial pigments sectors. As per a report, the aluminium powder and flakes market across the world is likely to be valued at US$3,453 million by 2021 growing at a CAGR of 3.51 per cent from US$2,808 million in 2015. Amidst this positive market, Germany which is one of the notable importers and exporters of aluminium powder and flakes last year recorded growth in both imports and exports of the product. But this year, the country is estimated to witness a drop in aluminium powder and flakes import and export.

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According to the global export-import data, Germany’s estimated import volume in 2018 was at 17,586 tonnes, compared to 15,675 tonnes in 2017. This means the country’s estimated import volume had registered a growth of 12 per cent year-on-year in 2018. But in contrast, Germany in 2019 is expected to import around 13,251 tonnes of aluminium powder and flakes, 15 per cent down from 2017 and 25 per cent down from 2018.

The value of aluminium powder and flakes import by Germany is also estimated to decrease in tandem with the volume of import in the year 2019. According to the global data, the estimated import value is likely to be at US$47 million, compared to US$61 million in 2018 and US$ 53 million in 2017. In terms of percentage, the value is estimated to be down 11 per cent from 2017 and 22 per cent from 2018.

The aluminium powder and flakes export by Germany is also estimated to stand low this year compared to the last two. In 2017, the export volume by Germany was at 31,135 tonnes. The amount had slightly increased in the subsequent year (2018) to 33,975 tonnes. But this year it would decline both from 2017 and 2018 to 28,660 tonnes.

Aluminium powder and flakes are used as/for pigments and coatings for decorative purpose. It renders a shining effect on the metallic paint. These days they are finding more and more application in automobile exterior and electric parts. Aluminium pigment when mixed with paint helps improve the weatherability of paints protecting them from heat and corrosion. Therefore, it plays an important role in the paint industry as well.