Carded or combed synthetic staple fibres market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

After steady growth in 2019, the German market for carded or combed synthetic staple fibres contracted sharply in 2020 to 5 799 t, a drop driven primarily by production shutdowns and demand disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market rebounded strongly over the next two years, reaching 9 209 t in 2022, supported by renewed activity from major industry players and shifting consumer preferences toward more sustainable fibre options.

By 2024, however, the market volume had fallen again to 6 058 t. This decline coincided with the implementation of stricter EU environmental rules, including the Ecodesign Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which increased compliance costs and product requirements. Simultaneously, production relocations and plant closures within Germany's chemical sector constrained raw material availability, while industry consolidation continued with acquisitions like Beaulieu International Group's takeover of IFG Asota GmbH.

Production carded or combed synthetic staple fibres in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, output was valued at 20 639 K $ US, marking a sharp contraction of 35.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 29.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 31 866 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 5.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's production of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers increased for two years before declining. In 2020, 7 392 t were produced, representing an intense contraction of 33.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 26.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.6%. The peak was in 2019 with 11 071 t, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.5%.

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

Exports carded or combed synthetic staple fibres from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 2 147 t, showing a strong drop of 10.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.4%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Poland were the main markets for Germany's exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 42.6% of exports, Italy for 8.4%, and Poland for 5.9%, together making up 56.9% of total flows.

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 export volume of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 11 076 K $ US, reflecting a decline of 10.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The highest value was in 2018 at 13 840 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2019 at 10.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Czechia, and Italy consistently led Germany's export structure in value terms. Turkey accounted for 32.0% of exports, Czechia for 10.3%, and Italy for 7.8%, jointly representing 50.2% 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 carded or combed synthetic staple fibres to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 554 t, showing a sharp gain of 148.2% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports grew by 211.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 46.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Belgium, and Japan were the leading sources for Germany's imports in kind. France accounted for 24.0% of imports, Belgium for 20.4%, and Japan for 11.4%, together comprising 55.8% 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

In 2020, Germany's imports of carded or combed synthetic staple fibers from abroad tallied 4 116 K $ US, up by 28.0% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 57.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.3%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 21.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 55.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Japan, and Belgium made the biggest contributions to Germany's imports in value terms. France accounted for 41.0% of imports, Japan for 30.6%, and Belgium for 4.5%, jointly representing 76.1% 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