Filter paper and paperboard market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German filter paper and paperboard market expanded significantly in 2019, reaching 29 846 t, driven by strong domestic demand and investment in the paper processing industry. However, this growth was reversed in 2020 when market volume fell to 21 740 t, a decline attributed to the ongoing digitalization that reduced demand for graphic papers, affecting the broader paper sector.

Market volume recovered to 25 087 t in 2021 and stabilized around 25 647 t in 2022. During this period, the European paper industry reported a general decline in production for most paper and board grades, which influenced market structure and likely constrained more robust growth in filter paper and paperboard.

By 2024, the market contracted to 19 642 t. This drop coincided with reports of raw material shortages, potential mill shutdowns, and prolonged price negotiations, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine. Simultaneously, shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable packaging and the growth of e-commerce began influencing market dynamics, though these trends did not offset the overall volume decline.

Production filter paper and paperboard in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's filter paper and paperboard production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 228.9 million US dollars, marking an 8.6% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's filter paper and paperboard production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 47 122 tonnes, down 5.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

Exports filter paper and paperboard from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany exported 35 275 tonnes of filter paper and paperboard in 2020, a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 33 962 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 37 938 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export structure in kind was highly diversified. Russia accounted for 14.7% of exports, France for 12.1%, and the Netherlands for 7.4%, together making up only 34.2% of total flows. The remaining 65.8% consisted of a long tail of smaller markets.

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 cross-border shipments of filter paper and paperboard amounted to 223.8 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 8.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 206.4 million US dollars, and the largest decline that year was 6.9%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Russia contributed 12.3% of exports, France 9.2%, and Poland 7.3%, jointly accounting for only 28.8% 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 filter paper and paperboard to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany imported approximately 9 893 tonnes of filter paper and paperboard in 2020, a sharp drop of 29.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 061 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 31.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy remained the primary source for filter paper and paperboard imports into Germany, accounting for 78.8% of total imports in kind, while other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

In 2020, Germany's imports of filter paper and paperboard from abroad totaled 44.2 million US dollars, representing a substantial fall of 22.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 57.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 20.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy contributed 60.5% of imports in value terms, the United Kingdom 7.0%, and France 6.2%, together making up 73.7% 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