In recent years, GeCl4 usage has increased substantially due to its use as a reagent for fiber optic production.

Most commercial production of germanium is from treating flue-dusts of zinc- and copper-ore smelters, although a significant source is also found in the ash from the combustion of certain types of coal called vitrain.

The resulting mixture is fractionally distilled to purify and separate the germanium tetrachloride from other products and impurities.

GeCl4 can be directly hydrolysed to GeO2, an oxide glass with several unique properties and applications, described below and in linked articles: A notable derivative of GeCl4 is germanium dioxide.

In the manufacture of optical fibers, silicon tetrachloride, SiCl4, and germanium tetrachloride, GeCl4, are introduced with oxygen into a hollow glass preform, which is carefully heated to allow for oxidation of the reagents to their respective oxides and formation of a glass mixture.