Binders, folders and file covers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market value for binders, folders and file covers in Germany declined from 223.1 million USD to 164.1 million USD. The market contraction was influenced by the 2019 introduction of the Packaging Act (VerpackG), which increased regulatory compliance costs for producers and sellers. This followed a period in 2018 when new entrants into the dual systems for packaging licensing boosted competition, potentially moderating some packaging-related expenses.

After a period of stabilization in 2021, the market saw a brief recovery to 165.9 million USD in 2022, coinciding with a broader approval of dual packaging licensing systems and enhanced registration requirements that maintained a competitive landscape. However, from 2023 onward, the market value resumed its downward trend, falling to 154.3 million USD by 2024. This later phase was marked by preparations for stricter packaging law amendments, the expansion of the deposit system to include single-use milk and mixed milk drink containers, and heightened consumer and regulatory focus on sustainable packaging, which collectively increased compliance costs and market uncertainty.

Production binders, folders and file covers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of binders, folders, and file covers has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 147.3 million US dollars, marking a significant 17.5% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 27.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.2%.

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

Exports binders, folders and file covers from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Germany's exports of binders, folders, and file covers declined in 2020. The country exported 16 119 tonnes, which is 17.3% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8.7%, averaging a 3.0% annual drop. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 481 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 6.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export structure for binders, folders, and file covers was fairly balanced rather than concentrated. Austria accounted for 16.5% of exports, France for 15.7%, and the Netherlands for 12.7%, together making up 44.9% of total flows. The remaining 55.1% was distributed among many other 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, K $ US

Germany's exports of binders, folders, and file covers in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 59 095 thousand US dollars, representing a solid 13.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 70 272 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.2%.

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

The structure of Germany's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Austria contributed 19.7% of exports, France 14.7%, and the Netherlands 10.3%, together accounting for 44.7% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position during this period.

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

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

Imports binders, folders and file covers to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of binders, folders, and file covers in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 29 785 tonnes, showing a robust 11.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 25%, with an average annual decline of 9.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Germany's imports of binders, folders, and file covers in volume terms were Czechia, Poland, and China. Czechia accounted for 43.3% of imports, Poland for 36.7%, and China for 5.4%, together making up 85.4% 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, K $ US

Germany's imports of binders, folders, and file covers in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 75 892 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 9.2% decrease from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 19.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Czechia, and France were the primary markets for Germany's imports of binders, folders, and file covers in value terms. Poland accounted for 37.4% of imports, Czechia for 32.0%, and France for 7.7%, together representing 77.1% 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