Rohstoffe: Luftbild zum Tagebau von Sand und Kies

Promoting Circular Economy, Securing Resources

Germany is almost entirely dependent on imports for fossil fuels, metallic resources, and many industrial minerals. To mitigate the growing risks, it is essential on one hand to diversify supply chains, and on the other to expand the recycling of valuable materials.

Disruptions in global supply chains, political instability or sheer scarcity highlight how dependent German companies are on importing raw materials. While domestic raw materials – at least in the debate about reducing dependencies – have gained importance again, neither they nor the increased use of recycled materials can replace the necessary imports.

Raw materials are essential for Germany's economy – for industrial production, as well as for digital transformation or the energy transition.

Securing Raw Material Imports

DIHK has committed itself to supporting its companies in securing raw materials through targeted lobbying in Berlin and Brussels when it comes to the framework conditions for raw materials supply to companies. Furthermore, consulting and matchmaking, offered by DIHK in cooperation with the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in resource-rich countries, assist companies in diversifying their supply sources.

Raw Material Contact Point

Anlaufstelle Rohstoffe

To make the German Mining & Resources Network more accessible for companies, the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA) and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) have joined forces.

The partners established the "Raw Materials Contact Point" in summer 2024, providing a centralised location where companies with raw material needs and suppliers of raw materials can receive support.

Further information and contact options can be found on the website of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad at www.ahk.de. (only available in German)

From Waste to Secondary Raw Material

Reuse instead of discard: The model of a circular economy has not only ecological benefits but also numerous economic advantages. DIHK is advocating for company-friendly framework conditions both at the EU and the federal government level.

Relevant in topic:
Key areas:
  • Rohstoffe
  • Umwelt
  • Kreislaufwirtschaft

All articles of this dossier

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Geopolitical tensions and export restrictions from supplier countries threaten Germany's raw material supply. It is now essential to strengthen international raw material partnerships, promote domestic mining, expand circular economy efforts, and establish innovative financing models.

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Was bedeutet die EU-Ökodesign-Verordnung für Unternehmen – und sind Sie betroffen? Ein DIHK-Merkblatt von Februar 2026 liefert einen Überblick über Pflichten, Fristen und Chancen rund um nachhaltige Produkte und den digitalen Produktpass.

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Germany relies on raw material imports: For metallic raw materials alone, the import rate is over 90 percent. But how can security of supply be achieved – especially in view of geopolitical tensions, growing competition, and ambitious climate goals?

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Additional sustainable instruments are required - aligned with the EU and international partners

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Together for Resilience – Securing Critical Raw Materials

The supply of raw materials threatens to become the Achilles' heel of the European economy. In a joint position paper, the "Alliance for the Future of Industry" explains the fields of action and instruments needed to counteract this challenge.

Date of publication 25.11.2025
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Minerals Resource Coordination Center

Companies in Germany that rely on importing mineral resources and intermediate products are facing increasing difficulties in obtaining them. Support is offered by the "Minerals Resource Coordination Center" coordinated by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

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Many businesses see opportunities in the circular economy

A transformation of German economy towards a “circular economy” is viewed by many businesses as beneficial for their own operations – but only under the right framework conditions. This is evident from a survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

Date of publication 19.06.2024
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The Digital Product Passport: Potential with Many Unknowns

For resource-scarce Germany, the transformation towards a resource-efficient and circular economy is of great importance. The Digital Product Passport (DPP), initially introduced in 2027 for batteries, can play a key role by providing critical information for the circular economy. However, this...

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Municipal Packaging Tax: A New Additional Burden

Despite political promises to reduce bureaucracy, the effort for businesses is growing – especially due to the new municipal packaging tax. Hospitality, retail, and service providers are facing complicated requirements, varying tax rates, and significant administrative burdens. The...

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The ambitious goals of the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) can only be achieved through joint efforts by politics and economy," commented Achim Dercks, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), on the key points presented on October 14...

Date of publication 14.10.2025
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"Electronic Waste Management in Europe": German Chamber of Commerce and Industry updates guideline

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry lists the key regulations for 34 countries at a glance.

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Mandatory Mehrweg-Alternative for Food and Drinks since 2023

Whether 'Coffee to go', hamburgers, or sandwiches: Since January 1, 2023, providers must offer their customers a choice between single-use packaging and a reusable alternative. A DIHK leaflet summarises the key points to consider.

Leere Plastikflaschen von oben

Guide to the German Packaging Act

Deposit on all plastic bottles, increased use of recycled materials, and more: The revised German Packaging Act, which came into effect on July 3, 2021, introduced many new requirements. A DIHK guide from February 2022 outlines what businesses need to know.

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Experts according to End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation

End-of-life vehicles may only be disposed of by authorized collection points or recyclers, as per the "Regulation on the Transfer, Acceptance, and Environmentally Friendly Disposal of End-of-Life Vehicles" (End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation).

Contact

Petri, Christoph_quer

Christoph Petri

Head of Unit for Environmental and Raw Materials Policy