Catheters and cannulae market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German catheters and cannulae market was shaped from 2018 by regulatory changes that expanded statutory health insurance coverage for catheters, particularly suprapubic and transurethral types, making them more accessible. Simultaneously, an aging population and a higher prevalence of urological conditions steadily increased the underlying demand for intermittent and indwelling catheters.

After a temporary contraction in 2019, the market rebounded strongly from 2020 onward. The introduction of patented external stabilizers for suprapubic catheters improved patient comfort and reduced infection risks, boosting adoption. Growth was further supported by a shift toward home-based catheter care, facilitated by reimbursement rules, and by technological advances such as hydrophilic coatings. The entry of new players with microcatheters for cardiovascular and neurovascular procedures in 2022 opened additional segments, while the EU Medical Device Regulation raised quality standards and stimulated demand for compliant products.

By 2023, the market reached 975 million USD, driven by hospital reforms that affected procurement and by expanded distribution agreements among manufacturers. In 2024, a slight decline to 943 million USD occurred, coinciding with delays in the implementation of updated medical device operator regulations, though innovation continued with the launch of the micro-Rx catheter for percutaneous coronary interventions.

Production catheters and cannulae in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of catheters and cannulae has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 646.6 million US dollars, marking a 3.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

Exports catheters and cannulae from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, the volume of catheters and cannulae exported from Germany declined. In 2020, exports totaled 23,939 tonnes, showing a moderate drop of 3.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 4.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 24,873 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 5.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of catheters and cannulae in kind were spread across a wide range of markets. Poland accounted for 13.3% of exports, the United Kingdom for 8.7%, and France for 8.4%, together making up only 30.5% 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, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's exports of catheters and cannulae in value terms totaled 2,466 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 15.3%, averaging 4.9% per year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 2,466 million US dollars, and the largest increase happened in 2018 with a 10.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of catheters and cannulae in value terms had a broad buyer portfolio. France contributed 10.3% of exports, the United Kingdom 9.0%, and the Netherlands 8.4%, together accounting for just 27.7% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but significant shares.

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

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

Imports catheters and cannulae to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of catheters and cannulae have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 30,985 tonnes, reflecting a 4.4% gain from the previous year. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for Germany's imports of catheters and cannulae in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Hungary made up 15.5% of imports, Poland 14.7%, and Malaysia 12.2%, jointly representing 42.4% of total flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 57.6%.

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 imported 2,354 million US dollars worth of catheters and cannulae in 2020, indicating a 9.1% uptick from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,157 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of catheters and cannulae in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. The United States accounted for 23.7% of imports, Ireland for 15.6%, and Malaysia for 8.2%, together representing only 47.4% 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