Cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the German market for cellular polystyrene plates, sheets, film, foil and strip experienced fluctuations in both volume and value. Market volume declined from 277.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 254.3 thousand tons in 2020, then recovered to 281.0 thousand tons in 2021 before falling again to 260.6 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, dropping to USD 843 million in 2020, surging to USD 1.155 billion in 2021, and then easing to USD 1.128 billion in 2022.

By 2023, the broader plastics processing industry in Germany faced significant headwinds, with reported production cuts of 15.3% and a 21.9% drop in revenue due to order shortages and economic challenges in the European home market. This industrial downturn set the stage for a sharper contraction in the cellular PS segment.

In 2024, the market volume fell markedly to 197.3 thousand tons, valued at USD 780 million. Key drivers included new regulatory constraints, such as the fourth amendment to the KTW assessment basis for plastics, which restricted certain accelerators in plastic compounds, raising production costs and limiting material options. At the same time, tightening EU packaging rules and a shift in consumer preference toward sustainable materials reduced demand for conventional cellular PS products.

Production cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 970 million US dollars, marking a slight drop of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 015 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year reaching 8.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 288.1 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a decline of 2.1% from 2019. The peak was in 2018 at 296.3 thousand tonnes, when the largest increase of 1.6% was also recorded.

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

Exports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Germany's exports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip declined. In 2020, exports stood at 75 401 tonnes, down by 2.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 11.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.8%. The highest level was in 2019 at 77 465 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Austria, and Belgium were notable buyers of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip from Germany, but their combined share did not dominate the market. France accounted for 19.6% of exports in kind, Austria for 14.4%, and Belgium for 11.7%, totaling 45.7% of overall exports.

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 cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 239.0 million US dollars, indicating a decrease of 1.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 6.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 262.2 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 2.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 7.2%.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. France held 23.1% of exports in value terms, Austria 12.5%, and the Netherlands 9.3%, together accounting for 44.8% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

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

Imports cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil and strip to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Germany's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip increased. In 2020, imports totaled 41 584 tonnes, marking a rise of 3.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 48.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.7%. The lowest level was in 2019 at 40 114 tonnes, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 31.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium consistently led Germany's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in kind. Austria accounted for 26.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 22.1%, and Belgium for 21.7%, jointly making up 70.4% 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, M $ US

Germany's imports of cellular PS plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 239.0 million US dollars, equivalent to a gradual contraction of 3.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, Poland, and Belgium dominated Germany's imports in value terms. Austria represented 28.5% of imports, Poland 21.6%, and Belgium 19.7%, together accounting for 69.9% 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