Candles and tapers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German candles and tapers market saw fluctuating volumes between 2018 and 2024, initially influenced by weather patterns. A cold autumn in 2018 boosted seasonal demand, while warmer weather in 2019 contributed to a temporary dip. The COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 reversed the trend, as consumers increased spending on home decor and wellness candles, driving market growth.

Market volume peaked at 224.5 thousand tons in 2022, supported by a surge in imports from Poland and China. However, in 2023 the market contracted sharply before recovering partly in 2024, aided by another rise in imports. Throughout the period, new EU product safety rules, such as the physical labeling requirement from December 2022 and the Consumer Product Safety Regulation effective December 2024, reshaped compliance demands.

Consumer preferences steadily shifted toward sustainable and vegan candles, such as those made from beeswax or soy wax, reflecting growing environmental awareness. Meanwhile, retail digitalization and court rulings on price transparency affected online sales strategies. Rising paraffin and palm oil costs over several years added to production expenses, influencing retail prices.

Production candles and tapers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of candles and tapers, measured in monetary value, rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output reached 163.2 million US dollars, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.9%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.8%. The lowest point occurred in 2019, with a value of 160.1 million US dollars, and that year also saw the steepest drop of 17.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In terms of physical volume, Germany's production of candles and tapers showed a slight recovery following a two-year contraction. In 2020, the country produced 63 408 tonnes, representing a small uptick of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 22.3%, averaging an annual decline of 8.1%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 62 825 tonnes, with the largest decline of 12.8% also occurring that year.

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

Exports candles and tapers from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of candles and tapers, measured in physical terms, declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 55.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of candles and tapers in physical terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—Austria (27.2% of exports), Switzerland (8.5%), and Belgium (7.3%)—collectively accounted for 42.9% of total exports. The remaining 57.1% was spread among numerous smaller markets.

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

In monetary terms, Germany's exports of candles and tapers saw a slight increase in 2020, totaling 163.8 million US dollars, up 1.3% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 161.7 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 173.4 million US dollars. The largest decline of 6.7% was also observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of candles and tapers in value terms were diversified across many partner countries. The leading destinations—Austria (26.3% of exports), Switzerland (11.5%), and the Netherlands (6.8%)—together represented 44.5% 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 candles and tapers to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of candles and tapers, measured in physical volume, increased after a two-year decline. In 2020, import volume stood at 173.3 thousand tonnes, showing a limited rise of 5.4% compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 164.5 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline of 3.2% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland (56.8% of imports), the Netherlands (14.6%), and China (9.4%) dominated Germany's imports of candles and tapers in physical terms, together comprising 80.8% 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

In monetary terms, Germany's imports of candles and tapers rose in 2020, reaching 440.3 million US dollars, which is 7.9% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 408.2 million US dollars, and the largest decline of 5.5% also took place that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (45.8% of imports), the Netherlands (13.5%), and China (11.5%) were the primary sources for Germany's imports of candles and tapers in value terms, together accounting for 70.8% 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