The above graph can be downloaded as an image.

Oil Availability

Germany’s oil sources were limited, and the country faced significant challenges in maintaining its oil supply. Germany produced some oil domestically, primarily from fields in the north of the country, but domestic production was limited and could not meet the country’s needs. To supplement its supply, Germany developed a process for synthesizing oil from coal, seized oil reserves in occupied territories such as Norway and Romania, and traded with neutral countries such as Spain and Sweden. However, these sources were not enough to sustain Germany’s war effort, and oil shortages had a significant impact on the country’s military operations. Ultimately, the lack of oil was one of the key factors that contributed to Germany’s defeat in World War II.

The Allies’ strategic bombing campaign had a significant impact on Germany’s oil supply. The bombing raids targeted oil refineries, production facilities, and transport infrastructure, causing significant damage and disruption to Germany’s oil supply. As a result, Germany was forced to rely more heavily on synthetic oil produced through the Fischer-Tropsch process, which was expensive and less efficient to produce.

Allied Targeting Transportation and its Effects on Oil Supply

The Allied bombing campaign targeted transportation infrastructure critical for Germany’s oil production and supply. The railway system was a key target, as it was critical for transporting oil from production facilities to refineries and distribution centers. The bombing raids targeted railway yards, bridges, and lines of communication, causing significant damage and disruption to the railway system.

Oil refineries were another critical target, as they were responsible for processing crude oil into usable fuel. The bombing raids targeted refineries, storage tanks, and other key infrastructure, causing significant damage and disruption to the refinery network.

German Oil Allocations

Germany allocated its oil supply primarily to military operations, with the military receiving most of the available supply. Some oil was allocated to essential services, such as hospitals and emergency services, while the remaining oil was allocated to civilian use. However, civilian use was heavily restricted and subjected to rationing to conserve the available oil supply. Despite these efforts, Germany’s oil supply was insufficient to sustain its war effort, and shortages of oil and other resources contributed to the country’s eventual defeat in the war. 

Germany allocated its oil supply within the military based on prioritizing the needs of different branches, with the Luftwaffe receiving a higher priority than the Kriegsmarine. Offensive operations were given a higher priority than defensive operations, as they required more fuel. The allocation of oil was a critical issue for the military, and Germany implemented conservation measures to stretch the available oil supply further. To conserve the available oil supply, Germany implemented measures such as reducing the speed of vehicles and planes and limiting training exercises.

Despite these efforts, shortages of oil and other resources contributed to Germany’s eventual defeat in the war. Competition between branches for access to oil was common, and the allocation of oil played a significant role in shaping Germany’s military operations during the war.

German Aviation, Motor, and Diesel Fuels Availability Data

To download the data shown below from which the graph was developed click on the icon below corresponding to your desired format. Note: to ensure all data is downloaded choose the ‘All’ selection in the Show Entries dropdown list. Otherwise, only the data visible on the screen will download.

* Availability includes; internally produced, imported, and in 1940 captured fuels: aviation 275 motor 309 and diesel 200 (000 metric tons).

Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 276, Table 83 selected data

Other Oil Data

German versus US Oil Production

US Vehicles Per Unit and Fuel Consumption Rates

Self Sufficiency or Deficiency; Strategic Raw Materials and Foodstuffs

US Crude Oil First Purchase Price

This website, ww2data.com, has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referenced. Nor does ww2data.com guarantee that any content on such websites is accurate or will remain accurate.

The above graph can be downloaded as an image.  

German Prewar Oil Production and Supply  

Germany’s main oil supply in the 1930s were Western Hemisphere nations including the United States, Venezuela, Mexico, and various Caribbean nations. These nations annually supplied between 63% to 72% during the 1930s of Germany’s total oil needs. However, after the start of hostilities in 1939 these supplies were halted by a successful Allied Naval blockade. By 1940 synthetic oil became Germany’s most significant oil source. And by 1942 more than 50% of Germany’s oil was synthetically derived. Finally, by 1944 for every metric ton of home or imported crude oil, Germany produced 1.5 metric tons of synthetic oil. Oil and other natural resources were great German weaknesses. 

Germany’s Oil Synthesis

The synthesis of oil from coal during World War II required several resources and processes. Here are the essential resources involved:

• Coal was the primary raw material used for the synthesis of oil. It served as the carbon source for the production of synthetic fuels.
• Hydrogen gas was required for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process, which converted carbon monoxide derived from coal into synthetic oil. Hydrogen could be obtained from various sources, including water and natural gas.
• Catalysts were used in the Fischer-Tropsch process to facilitate the chemical reactions involved in converting carbon monoxide and hydrogen into synthetic oil. Common catalysts included iron, cobalt, and nickel.
• Energy Sources – The synthesis of oil from coal requires energy sources to power the various stages of the process, such as coal gasification and hydrogen production. These energy sources could include coal itself, natural gas, or other fuels.
• Infrastructure – The construction and operation of specialized plants and facilities were necessary for the large-scale production of synthetic oil from coal. These facilities included coal gasification plants, hydrogen production units, and Fischer-Tropsch reactors.

“However successful synthetic oil may have been at granting Germany some degree of petroleum independence, the technology did not come cheap. Capital and construction costs for the average F-T plant were on average RM 30 million ($75 million). Production costs for synthetic oil and refined fuel products were also exponentially higher than that for natural crude. The average manufacturing cost for a barrel of synthetic oil was between RM 32-45 ($13-18) and processed fuel values averaged 23-26 pfennig per kg (approximately 31-44 cents per gallon). In comparison, a barrel of crude oil traded for 93 cents on the U.S. commodities exchange in December 1939, and in the same month a gallon of regular gasoline sold for 13.4 cents at the average New York City service station.” (1)

(1) Keller, Shawn P., Major, USAF, “Turning Point: A History of German Petroleum in World War II And Its Lessons for The Role of Oil in Modern Air Warfare”, Air Command And Staff College Air University, Pages 8-9. See https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1020261.pdf

Peak Production

In the year 1944, Germany’s annual synthetic fuel production reached its peak production at more than 124,000 barrels per day from their 25 plants. In contrast, the US in 1944, when 115/145 octane aviation gas was introduced, would produce 595,238 barrels a day of just aviation gas. The US averaged over five million barrels of oil a day in 1944. The Soviet Union was producing over 800,000 barrels a day in 1944.

In conclusion, Germany’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in oil during World War II led them to develop synthetic oil production from coal. While this technology provided some degree of petroleum independence, it came at a high cost and was not as efficient as natural crude oil. Germany’s annual synthetic fuel production reached its peak in 1944, but it was still significantly lower than the production levels of the United States and the Soviet Union during the same period

To download the data shown below from which the graph was developed click on the icon below corresponding to your desired format. Note: to ensure all data is downloaded choose the ‘All’ selection in the Show Entries dropdown list. Otherwise, only the data visible on the screen will download.

Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 275, Table 82

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Other Production and Availability Data

Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency

Allies Axis Major Weapons Groups – Production Summaries

US WW2 Production – Aircraft

Soviet Artillery Availability 1941-45

German Flak Production History by Model

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The above graph can be downloaded as an image.  

Oil played a crucial role in industrial, transportation, and military aspects during World War II. At first blush, oil is viewed as a transportation necessity only. Whereas it serves many industrial and military purposes as well.

Industrial Uses

Oil was essential for powering factories and industrial machinery. It provided energy for manufacturing processes, such as refining metals, producing chemicals, and operating machinery. 

Oil was also a raw material for industrial processes. It was critical in the making of synthetic rubber. Since the Japanese had occupied the Netherlands East Indies which supplied 90 percent of the world’s natural rubber. To produce synthetic rubber required the making of butadiene, its basic raw material which was synthesized from oil.

Military Uses

Naval Operations

Oil was vital for fueling naval vessels, including battleships, aircraft carriers, submarines, and support ships. It allowed for extended range, increased speed, and greater operational capabilities of naval fleets.

Air Power

Oil-fueled aircraft, enable air forces to conduct strategic bombing campaigns, engage in aerial combat, and provide air support to ground forces. It facilitated rapid transportation of troops, supplies, and equipment. 

A distinct Allied advantage was the availability of 100-octane aviation fuel. During the Dunkirk evacuations, both British and German aircraft utilized 87-octane fuel. Before the Battle of Britain, the British aircraft were switching over to 100 octane fuel. The fuel switchover combined with improved superchargers surprised the Luftwaffe pilots with their improved performance. A French petroleum engineer, Eugene Houdry, developed the Houdry process enabling a greater amount of high-octane fuel to be converted from crude oil and lignite coal.  After moving to the US, the process was further developed, and now twice as much high-octane could be converted from crude oil. 

High octane fuel combined with supercharging gave the US and its allies improved engine performance in every aspect. During take-off and climbing it was estimated that the British Spitfires now had a 25% edge over their German counterparts, a 10% edge in speed, and a 12% edge in altitude.

Mechanized Warfare

Oil-powered tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery played a crucial role in ground operations. These vehicles provided mobility, firepower, and protection to ground forces, enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield.

Germany allocated its oil supply to the military based on prioritizing the needs of different branches, with the Luftwaffe receiving a higher priority than the Kriegsmarine. Offensive operations were given a higher priority than defensive operations, as they required more fuel. The allocation of oil was a critical issue for the military, and Germany implemented conservation measures to stretch the available oil supply further. To conserve the available oil supply, Germany implemented measures such as reducing the speed of vehicles and planes and limiting training exercises.

Transportation Uses

Logistics and Supply

Oil was essential for transportation and logistics, ensuring the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment to various theaters of war. It supported military operations by maintaining supply lines and sustaining the war effort. World War II is seen as the first truly mechanized war by many, however, that was hardly the case between Germany and the Soviet Union.  Once away from a train depot, approximately 80% of German logistics was horse-drawn. About one in six German divisions were mechanized while the other five relied upon the foot soldier to march and the horse to pull. Even though the Soviet Union utilized more horses than Germany they utilized a far greater number of trucks, jeeps, and other motorized vehicles to transport men and materiel. Additionally, the food, materiel, and manpower Germany required to maintain their horses made these divisions less efficient than their enemy counterparts.

Before Germany’s invasion, the Soviet Union had about 270,000 trucks in the military.  Soviet domestic truck production for military purposes was approximately 150,000 vehicles.  Via Lend-Lease over 430,000 trucks were obtained including:

Over 200,000 Studebaker US6 U3, 2.5-ton, 6×6, Cargo Trucks,

Almost 50,000 Willys MB, truck ¼-ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance aka Jeep

Over 60,000 Chevrolet G-7107, 1½-ton, 4×4

Importance and Management

Allied Nations

The Allies, particularly the United States, held a significant advantage in oil supply. The U.S. was energy self-sufficient and the leading crude oil producer during the war. It supplied more than 85% of the oil used by the Allies. The Allies’ access to abundant oil resources allowed for sustained military operations and industrial production.

Axis Nations

The Axis powers, especially Germany and Japan, faced challenges in oil supply. Germany had limited domestic oil resources and relied heavily on imports. The Allied oil campaign targeted facilities supplying Nazi Germany with petroleum, oil, and lubrication products, disrupting their access to oil. Japan also faced oil shortages due to embargoes and limited domestic production. Additionally, Allied submarines targeted Japanese oil tankers with devasting results.

In conclusion, oil was fundamental for industrial and military power during World War II. It played a critical role in industrial production, transportation, and military operations. The Allies, with their access to abundant oil resources, had a significant advantage over the Axis powers. The management of oil resources and the disruption of oil supplies through strategic bombing campaigns impacted the war efforts of both sides.

Annual Allied Axis Crude Oil Production 1939-1945 Data

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Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 275, Table 81

How to sort by multiple columns – First sort by one of the columns. Then press the “Shift” key on the keyboard and while holding the Shift key click on a second header.  This column now becomes the second sorting column.  This feature is useful when the first sorting column has values that repeat for multiple rows.

Other Raw Material and Commerce Data Links

Merchant Ships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45

Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency

Gains and Losses of British Flag Tonnage

Mobilizing; U.S. Industry World War II

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The above graph can be downloaded as an image.

Iron and Steel Fundamental for Industrial and Military Power

Industrial Production

Iron and steel are essential materials for industrial production. They are used in the construction of factories, machinery, and infrastructure. The ability to produce large quantities of iron and steel allowed nations to expand their industrial capacity and manufacture the necessary equipment and supplies for war efforts.

Military Equipment

Iron and steel are vital for the production of military equipment, including tanks, artillery, ships, aircraft, and weapons. These materials provide the strength, durability, and resilience required for military operations. The ability to produce sufficient iron and steel was crucial for maintaining a well-equipped military force.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Iron and steel were necessary for building and maintaining transportation networks, such as railways, bridges, and roads. These infrastructure projects were crucial for the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment. Additionally, iron and steel were used in the construction of ships, which played a significant role in naval warfare and the transportation of goods.

Industrialization and Economic Power

The production of iron and steel was closely tied to industrialization and economic power. Nations with robust iron and steel industries had a competitive advantage in terms of economic growth and technological advancements. The ability to produce large quantities of iron and steel allowed countries to meet their own needs and export surplus materials to support their war efforts.

Rationing and Supply Chain

During World War II, there were shortages and rationing of various resources, including iron and steel. The demand for these materials was high, and their availability was crucial for sustaining military operations. Rationing programs were implemented to ensure a fair distribution of resources and prioritize their allocation for military purposes.

Annual Iron Production:

1939

The Allies began the war with modest iron production, with the UK leading the way at 14.5 million tons. The Axis powers, particularly Germany, surpassed the Allies with a production of 18.5 million tons. However, it’s worth noting that the USA and USSR iron production did not count against the Allies, as they were not yet aligned with the alliance.

1940

The Allies witnessed a slight increase in iron production in 1940. The UK’s production rose to 17.7 million tons, closely followed by the USA, USSR, and Canada. The Axis nations, led by Germany, continued to outpace the Allies, producing 34.7 million tons collectively.

1941

This year marked a turning point in iron production, with the Allies making significant strides. The USSR emerged as a key player, contributing 24.7 million tons, while the USA and UK also demonstrated substantial growth. However, the Axis nations remained dominant, with Germany producing 53.3 million tons.

1942

Iron production reached its peak for both alliances in 1942. The Allies surged ahead, with the USA leading the charge at 107.6 million tons. The USSR, UK, and Canada also made notable contributions. Despite this, Germany’s production remained formidable, amounting to 50.6 million tons.

1943

Although the Allies maintained a steady iron production, the gap between them and the Axis nations began to narrow. The USA’s production stood at 103.1 million tons, with the USSR, UK, and Canada continuing their contributions. Germany, however, still held a significant advantage with 56.2 million tons.

1944

Iron production declined for both alliances in 1944. The Allies saw a decrease, particularly in the USA, which produced 96 million tons. Meanwhile, Germany’s production dropped significantly to 32.6 million tons, potentially indicating the strain on its industrial capacity.

1945

Unfortunately, the data for iron production in 1945 remains incomplete. However, we can observe that the Allies maintained a consistent production level, with the USA leading the way at 90.2 million tons. The Axis nations’ production is largely unknown, with only Japan’s output recorded at 0.9 million tons.

Conclusion

In summary, iron and steel were fundamental for industrial and military power during World War II. Their production enabled nations to expand their industrial capacity, manufacture military equipment, build infrastructure, and maintain transportation networks. The availability of iron and steel played a crucial role in determining a nation’s ability to sustain its war efforts and contribute to the overall outcome of the conflict.

Analyzing the annual iron production from 1939 to 1945 reveals the shifting dynamics between the Allied and Axis nations. Although the Axis powers initially held a notable advantage, the Allies steadily increased their production, with the USA taking the lead. However, Germany’s industrial might remained a formidable force throughout the war. The data underscores the immense industrial efforts made by both sides and sheds light on the critical role that iron production played in shaping the outcome of World War II.

Annual Allied Axis Iron Ore Production 1939-1945 Data

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‘—‘ indicates production not counted prior or post being a Allies or Axis nation

‘?’ indicates production value unknown

Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 275, Table 80

Other Raw Material and Commerce Data Links

Merchant Ships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45

Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency

Annual Allied Axis Coal Production 1939-1945

Gains and Losses of British Flag Tonnage

Mobilizing; U.S. Industry World War II

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The above graph can be downloaded as an image.  

Allied Nations versus Axis Nations

Allied Coal Production

The coal production of the Allied nations saw significant fluctuations throughout the war. In 1939, the Allies produced a combined total of 244.6 million tons of coal. These fluctuations were due to the entries of the Soviet Union and the United States into the war. Additionally, the Soviet Union’s production dropped by nearly 50% in 1942 as the German invasion fully took hold.

Among the Allied nations, the United States was the largest contributor to coal production. Despite starting with zero production in 1939 and 1940, the US ramped up its efforts and reached 562.0 million tons in 1944, making it the leading coal producer among the Allies. The USSR also played a significant role, particularly in 1941 when it produced 151.4 million tons. The UK and Canada contributed consistently throughout the war, with the UK producing 231.3 million tons in 1939 and Canada providing around 13-15 million tons annually.

Axis Coal Production

The Axis nations, led by Germany, also relied heavily on coal production to fuel their war machine. Germany, the primary coal producer among the Axis nations, started with 332.8 million tons in 1939 and experienced continuous growth until 1942 when it reached its highest production of 407.8 million tons. However, Germany’s production gradually declined in the later years of the war, dropping to 432.8 million tons in 1944 and a mere 50.3 million tons in 1945.

Italy, Hungary, Romania, and Japan, the other Axis nations, had comparatively lower coal production. Italy’s production remained relatively stagnant, ranging from 0.0 to 4.8 million tons throughout the war. Hungary and Romania produced around 1-1.4 million tons annually, while Japan’s coal production increased from zero in 1939 to 61.3 million tons in 1944, before dropping to 11.0 million tons in 1945.

Axis Usage and Constraints

Germany, being the largest European producer of coal, faced increasing demands throughout the war. The German military’s escalating needs, coupled with the requirements of occupied economies that previously relied on coal imports from the UK, drove the need for higher coal production. German coal was even exported to the Soviet Union to power trains due to the lower quality of Soviet coal. Finally, Germany’s coal industry was severely affected by strategic bombing, causing disruptions to their transportation, utilities, industry, and domestic consumption. Transportation disruptions were so great that even though coal was being mined in increasing quantities it could not reach its destinations. In fact, there were cases where coal trains were not getting coal to run their locomotives.

Japan, on the other hand, implemented a policy of concentrating resources and production on their most efficient mines. However, with the US embargo restricting the export of essential resources including oil, Japan faced significant challenges in their coal supplies making up for other energy deficiencies. These limitations impacted Japanese industries and added further strain to their war efforts.

Conclusion

The annual coal production of the Allied nations consistently surpassed that of the Axis nations throughout World War II. The Allies, driven by the industrial might of the United States, were able to maintain a steady increase in coal production, peaking in 1944. In contrast, the Axis nations, particularly Germany, faced challenges in sustaining their coal production, leading to a decline in the later years of the war.

The disparity in coal production played a significant role in shaping the war effort, directly influencing each side’s industrial capabilities and energy resources. Ultimately, the Allies’ superior coal production contributed to their eventual victory in World War II.

To download the data shown below from which the graph was developed click on the icon below corresponding to your desired format. Note: to ensure all data is downloaded choose the ‘All’ selection in the Show Entries dropdown list. Otherwise, only the data visible on the screen will download.

Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 275, Table 79

Other Raw Material and Commerce Data Links

Merchant Ships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45

Strategic Raw Materials Self Sufficiency or Deficiency

Gains and Losses of British Flag Tonnage

Mobilizing; U.S. Industry World War II

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Snapshot of each nation’s self-sufficiency or lack thereof in strategic raw material and foodstuffs. A glance at the chart shows that 51% of the indicators are red, deficient. The most glaring for the Axis nations were oil, rubber, most of the metals, wheat, and meat. The Allied nations also struggled with the metals and rubber as well. However, the Allies were better off regarding oil and foodstuffs.

The above graph can be downloaded as an image.  

Policy

Axis Nations

Italy

Both Germany and Italy had adopted a policy of autarky, aiming for economic self-sufficiency to reduce their dependence on external sources of raw materials. However, Italy’s lack of preparedness and limited reserves in gold, foreign currencies, and raw materials posed significant challenges. Italy’s industrial base was only a fraction of Germany’s, and its rearmament program was hindered by these deficiencies. As a result, Italy became dependent and effectively subordinate to Germany, highlighting the limitations of its autarkic policy.

Germany

Germany, with its advanced economic, scientific, and industrial capabilities, faced constraints in accessing and controlling the resources and raw materials required for its long-term goals. The expansion of Germany’s control of natural resources, industrial capacity, and farmland beyond its borders was necessitated by political demands. Germany’s military production was tied to resources outside its area of control, creating a dependency dynamic not found among the Allies. The acquisition of new territories during the war forced these territories to sell raw materials and agricultural products to Germany, reflecting the complexities of Germany’s raw material strategy.

Japan

Japan, as an Axis power, faced unique challenges in raw material self-sufficiency. The country’s limited domestic resources, particularly in terms of oil and other critical materials, prompted its expansionist policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan’s reliance on external sources for essential raw materials, coupled with its ambitions for territorial expansion, contributed to its strategic vulnerabilities and eventual conflicts with the Allied nations.

Allied Nations

In contrast to the Axis nations’ pursuit of autarky, the Allied nations looked to make up for deficiencies from trade partners. Both the United Kingdom and the United States had vast trade networks facilitated by large merchant marines and navies. The United Kingdom, with its extensive colonial holdings and global trade connections, sought to leverage its international trade networks to address its raw material needs. The United States, with its industrial capacity and global economic influence, pursued strategic trade partnerships to secure essential raw materials for its military and industrial requirements.

The Soviet Union while facing significant challenges in the early stages of the war, also sought to address its raw material needs through domestic production and strategic alliances. The Soviet Union’s vast territorial expanse and resource-rich regions played a crucial role in sustaining its military and industrial capabilities during the conflict.

Energy

The availability of key energy resources, such as oil and coal, significantly influenced the operational capabilities and resilience of the nations involved in the conflict.

Oil

The United States and the USSR were largely self-sufficient in oil, providing them with a significant advantage in sustaining their military and industrial operations. The United Kingdom, having fought the First World War largely with oil from the United States, continued to rely on imports to meet its energy needs during World War II. This reliance on oil imports from the US underscored the strategic importance of maintaining trade partnerships for essential energy resources.

Germany, while importing oil, also produced synthetic oils.  But neither of these sources was ever in great enough quantities to meet its wartime demands. Italy faced similar challenges in achieving energy self-sufficiency, highlighting the limitations of their autarkic policies. Japan, on the other hand, captured oil resources in the Dutch East Indies, seeking to address its energy deficiencies. Throughout the war, the US and the UK interdicted Japanese oil supplies from the Dutch East Indies, further exacerbating Japan’s energy vulnerabilities.

Coal

In terms of coal, all major Allied nations were self-sufficient, providing them with a reliable source of energy for many of their military and industrial needs. Germany, similarly, self-sufficient in coal, even exported coal to Italy, reflecting its capacity to meet its energy requirements. Japan, facing resource constraints, reallocated manpower to the most efficient coal mines and prioritized resources for military usage, underscoring the strategic significance of coal in sustaining its military operations.

Strategic Metals

The strategic self-sufficiency or deficiency in strategic metals, including iron, aluminum, and copper, played a crucial role in shaping the military and economic strategies of the major belligerent nations during World War II. The availability of these strategic metals significantly influenced the operational capabilities and resilience of the nations involved in the conflict. The United States and the USSR were largely self-sufficient in iron, while the United Kingdom relied on imports from the US. Germany, Italy, and Japan faced distinct challenges and policy choices in addressing their strategic metals needs.

Iron

The United States and the USSR were largely self-sufficient in iron, providing them with a significant advantage in sustaining their military and industrial operations. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, relied on imports from the US and its colonies to meet its iron needs. Germany relied on significant imports from Sweden to address its iron requirements.

Aluminum

Germany faced significant challenges in securing aluminum, utilizing occupied Norwegian aluminum production facilities, and exploiting bauxite sources in Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Romania after the occupation of these countries. The scavenging of aluminum from occupied Europe and Vichy France, as well as the extensive use of recycled aluminum from wrecked Allied and German aircraft, underscored the complexities of Germany’s aluminum strategy. Italy was self-sufficient in aluminum and even exported to Germany.

On the Allied side, although the USSR was self-sufficient in bauxite, it accepted finished aluminum from the US. The United States imported bauxite from South America and provided finished aluminum to the UK and USSR.

Copper

The United States, while self-sufficient in copper, took various actions to support exports to the UK and USSR, including closing gold mines and transferring workers to copper mines, discontinuing copper pennies, releasing copper miners from active duty to mine copper, and forming the Metals Reserve Company to buy up ore from neutral countries. The UK imported copper from South Africa, Canada, Chile, and the Belgian Congo to meet its copper needs. Germany relied on sources such as Yugoslavia and Sweden for copper.

Conclusion

The strategic self-sufficiency or deficiency in raw materials significantly influenced the military and economic strategies of the major belligerent nations during World War II. The Axis nations’ pursuit of autarky and the challenges they faced in achieving economic self-sufficiency underscored the complexities of their raw material policies. In contrast, the Allied nations’ reliance on trade partnerships and global networks reflected their strategic approach to addressing raw material deficiencies.

To download the data shown below from which the graph was developed click on the icon below corresponding to your desired format. Note: to ensure all data is downloaded choose the ‘All’ selection in the Show Entries dropdown list. Otherwise, only the data visible on the screen will download.

Self Sufficiency or Deficiency; Strategic Raw Materials and Foodstuffs Data

*includes Austria and Czechoslovakia

**Includes: Korea, Kwantung, Manchukuo, and Mandates

Source: Ellis, John, “The World War II Databook”, BCA by arrangements with Aurum Press Ltd., 1993, Page 274, Table 77

Other Raw Material and Commerce Data Links

Merchant Ships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45

Gains and Losses of British Flag Tonnage

Mobilizing; U.S. Industry World War II

This website, ww2data.com, has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third party internet websites referenced. Nor does ww2data.com guarantee that any content on such websites are accurate or will remain accurate.

German Oil Sources

Prior to World War 2 outbreak Germany was heavily dependent upon outside sources for oil. Per Mawn Germany’s 1936 oil source were “Caribbean – 29%, USQ – 25%, Romania 12%, USSR – 12%, German domestic – 11%, Mexico – 9%, German synfuels – 2%, and other 1%.” (1) With the outbreak of war in September 1939 all western hemisphere oil sources were blocked by British blockade this amounted to 63% of their 1936 sources. With Germany’s Operation Barbarossa launch in June 1941 another 12% of their 1936 oil sources were now shut off.

(1) Mawn, Captain Paul E. USN (Retired), “Oil and War”, 10/24/2018, Defense.info, https://defense.info/re-thinking-strategy/2018/10/oil-and-war/, data accessed March 8, 2023

To compensate for these oil source losses Germany turned towards her ally Romania and to a lesser degree Austria. Additionally, Germany’s synfuel production rose from 2% of her consumption in 1936 to more than 10% in 1939 and peaking out near 60% in 1944. With oil needs paramount Germany launched Case Blue in 1942 in part to capture the Soviet’s Caucasus oilfields. Capture of the Caucasus oilfield would not only provide Germany a much-needed resource supply boost but deny the Soviet Union of oil as well. 

Germany ramped up their synthetic fuel production and it was in almost all respects equal in quality and performance to fuel refined from oil, but high-performance aviation fuel proved to be the exception. The United States developed a higher-octane aviation gas with an octane rating of 100 versus the previous octanes ranging from 75 to 80. This immediately paid dividends as the British were able to upgrade fighter performance during the Battle of Britain utilizing Spitfires now powered by Rolls Royce Merlin engines using 100 octane fuel.

Strategic Targeting

The United Kingdom and the United States both strategically targeted German oil sources and refineries as well as supporting infrastructure such as transportation, electrical grid, gas mains, and water mains. Their goal was not only air superiority but air domination. The initial Allied bombing raids against the Romanian oilfields and refineries in Ploiești were mostly ineffectual. By mid 1944 strategic bombing of Germany’s oil resources and supporting infrastructure became devastating to the German ability to compete in the skies.

An often-ignored aspect of limited oil resources for Germany was that their pilot training was severely curtailed in 1944 to 115 hours total flight time of which 30 hours were in a fighter aircraft. His RAF counterpart was receiving 340 hours total flight time of which 75 hours were in a fighter aircraft. And the USAAF counterpart was receiving 360 hours total flight time of which 165 hours were in a fighter aircraft.

Both RAF and USAAF rotated experienced pilots to flight training to a much a higher degree as Germany required pilots to fly until they were killed or injured. By this stage German pilots were not only disadvantaged because they were outnumbered but their skill levels were less. The result was the Allies own the western European skies.

Allies Axis Vital Commerce and Raw Materials Data

*Cargo and resources in metric tons

Source: Wikipedia, “Military production during World War II.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_production_during_World_War_II, Data accessed on June 28, 2022

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Other Raw Material and Commerce Data Links

Self Sufficiency or Deficiency; Strategic Raw Materials and Foodstuffs

Merchant Ships Produced by Nation by Total Tonnage 1940-45

Gains and Losses of British Flag Tonnage

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Industrial Production

These numbers alone don’t tell the whole industrial capacity story.  Germany expected a series of short wars. Poland, Norway, and France played out per German expectations.  Nothing else did. Russia initially followed the pattern in fact Hitler believing the war won in September 1941 ordered a large-scale armament production reduction.  While Great Britain and the USSR quickly mobilized nontraditional workers backfilling and increasing the labor forces as they transitioned to industrial war production, Germany pursued a more balanced guns and butter economy.  The United States would follow a path much like Great Britain’s in mobilizing industry and labor for war production.

“This decline in civilian manpower is the more remarkable, because Germany did not exhaust her reserves of manpower in the course of the war, she began the war with about the same proportion of occupied women (outside agriculture) as Britain. But while in Britain the number of women in full- or part-time work increased 45 percent in the course of the war, the number of German women mobilized remained practically unchanged. In Britain, the number of domestic servants was cut from 1.2 to 0.5 million in the course of the war; in Germany it fell only from 1.5 million to 1.3 million. There were other sectors of the economy that had large reserves of labor which could have been utilized for war work. Among them were the public administration system employing some 3.5 million workers, which Speer attempted unsuccessfully to reduce; and civilian industry which had a considerable cushion until the last stages of the war.” 

Source: Galbraith, John, K Director, and Klein, Burton H, Assistant Director, “The United States Strategic Bombing Survey; The Effects of Strategic Bombing on the German War Economy”, October 31, 1945, Page 10

Raw Material Deficit

Furthering Germany’s industrial capacity shortfall was their deficiency in certain raw materials.  Germany along with their occupied territories, Austria and Czechoslovakia, found themselves deficient in raw materials needed to support modern mobile warfare. Most significantly in oil, but also in metals such as cobalt for military grade steel, copper for electrical equipment, aluminum for lightweight airframes, tin for corrosion-resistant steel can linings, etc. Not only was Germany lacking internal access to strategic raw materials they also lacked world-wide access such as enjoyed by Great Britain and the United States. 

With Lend-Lease and reverse Lend-Lease Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States were able to plug some of their Allies’ industrial capacity shortages. Among the many items sent to the Soviet Union were machine tools to support their Industrial build up.  In return the Soviet Union shipped chrome ore, manganese ore, platinum, gold and wood to the United Kingdom and the United States. 

German vs. USSR Volume of Industrial Production, 1940 Data

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Source: Harrison, Mark “Industrial mobilisation for World War II: a German comparison*.” Page 17, https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/staff/mharrison/public/opk2000mobilisation.pdf, Data accessed May 20, 2022, *This paper appeared as a chapter in The Soviet Defence Industry Complex from Stalin to Khrushchev, pp. 99-117. Edited by John Barber and Mark Harrison. Basingstoke and London: Macmillan Press, 2000

Other Economic Indices Data Links

Relative Productivity Ranking Of World War II Foes

Indices of American Manufacturing Output (1939 = 100)

Allies to Axis GDP Ratios 1938-1945

Real National Product of UK, US, USSR, and Germany, 1937-45

US Federal Spending and Military Spending During WW2

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