Artificial joints of the body market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German artificial joints market grew from 467.9 million USD in 2018 to 530.3 million USD in 2019, primarily driven by demographic aging, which increased the risk of joint wear, and by financial incentives from repeatedly raised central case payments that made knee replacement surgeries more lucrative for hospitals. This trend was reinforced by rising demand among patients under 60 years old. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary reduction in elective surgeries, causing a slight dip in the market size to 521.1 million USD, although underlying demand remained strong due to the aging population.

Market value recovered to 530.1 million USD in 2021, supported by a continued increase in implantation numbers, reflecting the persistent demographic driver. By 2022, despite reported high annual knee prosthesis implantation volumes around 200,000, the market's monetary value declined to 509.4 million USD. During this period, clinics began implementing rapid-recovery concepts to shorten rehabilitation times, changing clinical practice without halting the growth in procedure numbers.

From 2023 to 2024, the market value continued to contract, reaching 460.1 million USD, even as statistical surveys showed implantation numbers rising to over 229,000. The industry's focus shifted toward quality and transparency, marked by the expansion of the national Endoprosthesis Register (EPRD) for better outcome monitoring. New regulatory factors emerged, including the EU AI Act coming into force in 2024, which affected approval and documentation processes for medical devices like artificial joints, while patient awareness campaigns influenced timing and indications for replacement surgeries.

Production artificial joints of the body in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of artificial joints declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 730.4 million US dollars, marking a significant drop of 12.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 848.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports artificial joints of the body from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of artificial joints in physical terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 681 tonnes, representing a sharp fall of 25.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 34.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in physical terms was highly diversified. Switzerland accounted for 21.1% of exports, China for 11.7%, and the United States for 8.1%, together making up only 40.9% of total flows. The remaining 59.1% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of artificial joints in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 842 million US dollars, reflecting a decline of 17.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The country composition of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Switzerland contributed 21.1% of exports, the United States 13.5%, and China 11.2%, together forming just 45.8% of total flows. The remaining 54.2% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports artificial joints of the body to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of artificial joints in physical terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 602 tonnes, showing a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, the United States, and France remained the key partners for imports in physical terms. Switzerland accounted for 40.4% of imports, the United States for 17.4%, and France for 9.5%, together representing 67.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of artificial joints in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 633 million US dollars, amounting to a strong decrease of 11.7% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, the United States, and Austria were the principal destinations for imports in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 34.4% of imports, the United States for 23.3%, and Austria for 10.3%, jointly making up 68.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020