Electricity meters market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German electricity meter market saw its volume decline from 6.8 million units in 2019 to 5.7 million units in 2021, with a notable drop in 2020 followed by stabilization the next year. This period was framed by the ongoing regulatory foundation for smart meter deployment, initiated by the 2016 Metering Operation Act (MsbG) which mandated the gradual replacement of analog Ferraris meters with modern metering devices by 2032. While no major new legislation emerged in 2019, continuous market monitoring by authorities set the stage for later decisions. The subsequent years brought technical guidance for meter operators and, from 2021, stricter enforcement of consumer choice rules and expanded dynamic tariff obligations for large energy suppliers, which helped support demand and curb further decline.

Market volume rebounded sharply in 2022, growing by 29% to reach 7.3 million units. This surge was directly linked to the introduction of the first statutory price caps for the installation and operation of smart meter systems, which made the technology more affordable for end-users. Simultaneously, heightened discussion about the need for a comprehensive smart-meter infrastructure to unlock flexibility and load management potential for the energy transition reinforced investment and deployment momentum.

By 2024, the market contracted to 5.8 million units. During this time, several new regulatory measures took effect, including a requirement for smart meters in all newly installed heat pumps, wallboxes, electricity storage systems, and night storage heaters, as well as a law allowing electricity meters to run backwards for balcony power plants. These rules are shaping future demand but did not offset the overall volume reduction observed in that year.

Production electricity meters in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's electricity meter production was valued at 128.8 million US dollars, marking a 6.4% year-over-year decline. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 34.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2020, Germany produced 2,568 thousand units of electricity meters, which represents a 25.3% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

Exports electricity meters from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

After two consecutive years of decline, Germany's electricity meter exports rebounded in 2020. The country exported 536 thousand units, showing a sharp 25.2% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 24.1%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 428 thousand units, with the largest decline that year at 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's electricity meter exports were distributed across a wide range of buyers. Iraq accounted for 17.4% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 10.7%, and Austria for 10.2%, together making up 38.4% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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 electricity meter exports reached 37.3 million US dollars, up 11.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the largest buyer of German electricity meters in value terms at 12.1%, followed by Austria at 11.8% and Sweden at 9.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 33.6% of total export value, while numerous other partners contributed smaller 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 electricity meters to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

In 2020, Germany imported 3,776 thousand units of electricity meters, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 86.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 23.1%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3,777 thousand units, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 53.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

During 2017-2020, China was the leading supplier of electricity meters to Germany, accounting for 42.3% of imports in kind, followed by Slovenia at 30.9% and Poland at 5.5%. These three countries together represented 78.7% of total imports.

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

Following two years of growth, Germany's electricity meter imports declined in 2020. The country imported 114.4 million US dollars worth of electricity meters, a slight decrease of 2.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 71.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 117.9 million US dollars, and the largest increase took place in 2018 at 53.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia was the top source of electricity meter imports to Germany in value terms at 36.4%, followed by China at 25.7% and Hungary at 6.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 68.8% of total import value.

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

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