Builders’ wares of plastics market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for plastic builders’ wares began the period at 5 856 million US dollars in 2018, as the plastics processing industry reported revenue growth while adapting to megatrends like digitalization and sustainability. Market volume dipped slightly to 5 791 million US dollars in 2019 before rising to 6 391 million in 2020 and 6 770 million in 2021.

By 2022, the sector faced high production costs and a difficult economic environment, which weighed on overall plastics manufacturing; nevertheless, the market for builders’ wares expanded to 7 045 million US dollars. A severe industry crisis unfolded in 2023, with plastics production falling 17.6% and demand down 16% from 2021 levels due to soaring energy prices and rising labor costs. In 2024, tentative recovery signs were offset by persistent pressure from high energy costs, weak demand, and international competition, compounded by new regulations on food-contact material layers that took effect in July. The market size contracted to 5 726 million US dollars.

Production plastic builders’ wares in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of builders' wares of plastics was valued at 7 095 million US dollars, marking a 7.4% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 15.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 9.1%.

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

Exports plastic builders’ wares from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Germany's volume of builders' wares of plastics exports declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 419.1 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 420.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of Germany's exports in kind was scattered. France accounted for 15.1% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 11.5%, and Poland for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 37.0% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

Builders' wares of plastics deliveries from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 1 706 million US dollars' worth of these goods, remaining stable year-on-year compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 4%, with a CAGR of 1.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 774 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in value terms of builders' wares of plastics were not heavily concentrated. France contributed 13.7% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands 12.2%, and Austria 8.7%. Together, these three countries captured only 34.6% of total 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 plastic builders’ wares to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Builders' wares of plastics imports into Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported a total of 419.1 thousand tonnes of these goods, amounting to a robust increase of 11.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 33%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the portfolio of suppliers for builders' wares of plastics to Germany was broad. Poland accounted for 21.4% of imports in kind, China for 12.0%, and France for 11.4%. Together, these three countries contributed only 44.9% of total imports in kind, while many other nations held smaller but non-negligible shares.

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

In 2020, Germany's imported builders' wares of plastics volumes totalled 1 002 million US dollars, up by 11.1% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 25.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 0.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of builders' wares of plastics to Germany were not heavily concentrated. Poland accounted for 19.9% of imports in value terms, Austria for 11.2%, and Czechia for 9.8%. Together, these three countries captured only 40.9% 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