Bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper or paperboard market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper bobbins and spools in Germany grew from 231.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 243.4 thousand tons in 2021, supported by rising demand for packaging papers due to e-commerce. High raw material and energy costs posed challenges, and a regulatory shift in 2017 that no longer recognized black liquor as biogenic affected raw material definitions. In 2020, market volume dipped to 222.4 thousand tons, though the paper industry reported stable sales, indicating adjustments in product mix or prices.

After the 2021 peak, the market contracted to 201.0 thousand tons by 2024. Persistent high costs for pulp, recycled paper, and energy—often two to three times pre-crisis levels—squeezed profitability and hindered production. Increasing regulatory burdens, including the amended Packaging Act (VerpackG) in 2024 and the forthcoming EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), added complexity. In 2023, the sector saw a slight rise in production volumes but a sharp 27% drop in sales, reflecting intense price pressures. The closure of Neu Kaliss Spezialpapier GmbH due to declining sales underscored the difficulties faced by specialized producers.

Production bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper or paperboard in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 337.5 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 3.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 373.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 7.0%. In contrast, the most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 6.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 262.1 thousand tonnes, down by 4.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper or paperboard from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 64 146 tonnes, representing an 8.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 12.3%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 74 858 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany supplied bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard to a wide range of markets. Even the top destinations—France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for only 41.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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 bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 84.6 million US dollars, showing a limited decrease of 9.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 11.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 104.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard in value terms were not heavily concentrated. France (16.7% of exports), Belgium (13.4%), and the Netherlands (10.0%) together captured only 40.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports bobbins, spools, cops and similar supports of paper or paperboard to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 24 380 tonnes, down by 4.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (32.1% of imports in volume terms), Italy (22.1%), and Luxembourg (13.2%) formed the key group of partners for Germany's imports of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard. Together, they accounted for 67.4% of total import 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 bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 26.4 million US dollars, down by 2.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 7.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 30.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 6.6%. In contrast, the most significant drop occurred in 2019, when imports decreased by 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (33.9% of imports in value terms), Italy (16.1%), and Belgium (10.5%) were the principal sources for Germany's imports of bobbins, spools, cops, and similar supports made from paper or paperboard. Collectively, they accounted for 60.5% of total import flows.

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

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