China was the largest outside supplier.
What this market covers
Single use zinc and manganese dioxide cells for remote controls, toys, torches and small devices. Buyers are consumers, retailers and device makers.
Typical segments
- AA and AAA cells
- C and D cells
- Button cells
- 9 volt batteries
Source: Eurostat
Why this market is moving now
- Extra-EU import value rose 19% from 2020 to 2025, a direct read on EU demand for sourced supply.
- Supply is concentrated: one country provided a large share of extra-EU imports in 2025.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The EU imported €392.3 million of products under CN code 85061011 (Manganese dioxide cells and batteries, alkaline, in the form of cylindrical cells) from outside the EU in 2025. | 392.3 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Extra-EU imports of CN 85061011 were up 19% in 2025 compared with 2020 (€330.9 million), calculated from Eurostat values. | +19 % since 2020 | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 85061011 to countries outside the EU were worth €296.0 million in 2025. | 296.0 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Trade between EU member states in CN 85061011 (intra-EU arrivals) came to €916.5 million in 2025. | 916.5 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| China was the largest non-EU supplier of CN 85061011 to the EU in 2025, with €349.0 million, or 89% of extra-EU imports. | 349.0 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| EU exports of CN 85061011 to the United States were €64.9 million in 2025. | 64.9 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The average value of extra-EU imports of CN 85061011 was €4.20 per kilogram in 2025, calculated from Eurostat value and weight. | 4.20 EUR per kg | 2025 | Eurostat |
| Belgium was the largest EU exporter of CN 85061011 to non-EU countries in 2025, at €237.7 million. | 237.7 EUR million | 2025 | Eurostat |
| The EU had 715 enterprises in NACE class C2720 (Manufacture of batteries and accumulators) in 2023. | 715 enterprises | 2023 | Eurostat |
| The US had 987 private establishments in NAICS 335910 (Battery manufacturing) in 2025. | 987 establishments | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| NAICS 335910 employed an average of 62,159 people in US private industry in 2025. | 62,159 jobs | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
| Average annual pay in US NAICS 335910 was $97,272 in 2025. | 97,272 USD per year | 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 392285789
- Figure 2
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, flow import, 2020 VALUE_IN_EUROS 330919091; 2025 VALUE_IN_EUROS 392285789
- Figure 3
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 295988914
- Figure 4
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, partner INT_EU27_2020, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 916501231
- Figure 5
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, partner CN, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 348960216
- Figure 6
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, partner US, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 64927091
- Figure 7
DS-045409, reporter EU27_2020, product 85061011, flow import, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 392285789, QUANTITY_IN_100KG 934109
- Figure 1
- Eurostat: EU trade since 1988 by HS2-4-6 and CN8 (DS-045409) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
DS-045409, reporter BE, product 85061011, partner EXT_EU27_2020, flow export, 2025, VALUE_IN_EUROS 237678432
- Figure 8
- Eurostat: Enterprises by detailed NACE Rev. 2 activity and special aggregates (sbs_ovw_act) (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 9
sbs_ovw_act, geo EU27_2020, nace_r2 C2720, indic_sbs ENT_NR, 2023, 715
- Figure 9
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: QCEW annual averages, NAICS 335910, 2025 (2026-11-04)
Quoted lines
- Figure 10
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 335910, annual_avg_estabs 987
- Figure 11
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 335910, annual_avg_emplvl 62159
- Figure 12
QCEW 2025 annual, US000, private, NAICS 335910, avg_annual_pay 97272
- Figure 10
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Consumers
- Retailers
- Device makers
Large non-EU suppliers to the EU
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the European Union market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
Every assumption and source, listed
Included with the full report
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- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the EU alkaline battery market?
There is no single official market total. Eurostat trade data shows the EU imported €392.3 million of goods under CN 85061011 from outside the EU in 2025 and exported €296.0 million.
Where does the EU import alkaline battery from?
China was the largest non-EU supplier in 2025. Other large suppliers included Singapore, United States, United Kingdom.
What is the average import price of alkaline battery in the EU?
Dividing Eurostat import value by weight gives about €4.20 per kilogram for CN 85061011 in 2025.
Which EU countries export the most alkaline battery?
Belgium led EU exports to non-EU countries in 2025, followed by Poland, Sweden.
How many US companies are in the alkaline battery industry?
BLS counts 987 private establishments in NAICS 335910 (Battery manufacturing), the closest official industry.
How many EU companies are in the alkaline battery industry?
Eurostat counts 715 enterprises in NACE class C2720 (Manufacture of batteries and accumulators).
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