Cotton table linen market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for cotton table linen contracted sharply between 2018 and 2020, with volume falling from 4 646 t to 2 692 t and its value dropping from $44.4 million to $26.4 million. A gradual recovery in volume followed, reaching 2 746 t by 2022, while the market's value rebounded more strongly to $35.3 million.

By 2024, the market volume had grown further to 2 777 t, but its value declined to $25.8 million. This period was shaped by a shift in consumer preference towards sustainable and eco-friendly textiles, supporting demand. Concurrently, the introduction of new EU regulatory frameworks, including extended producer responsibility and stricter OEKO-TEX® certification standards, increased compliance costs for manufacturers.

Production cotton table linen in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Cotton table linen production in Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 9,581 thousand US dollars, marking a 45.5% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 18,422 thousand US dollars, which represented a 13.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 41%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 16.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, cotton table linen production in Germany declined. In 2020, 540 tonnes were produced, reflecting a sharp 59.0% drop compared to 2019. Production reached its highest point in 2019 at 1,315 tonnes, which was a 6.9% increase from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 53.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.5%.

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

Exports cotton table linen from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Cotton table linen exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,679 tonnes, indicating a sharp 29.5% decrease compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 2,460 tonnes, which was a 6.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 27.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cotton table linen exports from Germany were relatively evenly distributed among various countries. Austria accounted for 21.0% of exports in kind, France for 8.9%, and Switzerland for 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.4% of total export volumes.

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

Cotton table linen exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 20,642 thousand US dollars worth of cotton table linen, marking a steep 30.4% fall compared to 2019. Exports reached their highest value in 2018 at 32,165 thousand US dollars, which was a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cotton table linen from Germany was exported to many countries. Even the largest destinations—Austria, Switzerland, and France—together accounted for only 42.6% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports cotton table linen to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Cotton table linen imports into Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3,832 tonnes, showing a robust 25.0% decrease compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 5,876 tonnes, which was a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 32.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 12.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, China, and Belarus formed the key group of partners for cotton table linen imports into Germany in kind. India accounted for 57.6% of imports, China for 9.7%, and Belarus for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented 77.0% of total import volumes.

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

Germany's cotton table linen imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 37,491 thousand US dollars, representing a 27.0% loss compared to 2019. Imports reached their maximum value in 2018 at 58,178 thousand US dollars, which was a 5.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 32%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 12.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India, Belarus, and China formed the core group of markets for cotton table linen imports into Germany in value terms. India accounted for 45.1% of imports, Belarus for 12.1%, and China for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 66.3% of total import values.

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

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020