For retail sale photographic chemicals and unmixed products market in Germany, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for retail sale photographic chemicals and unmixed products in Germany declined from $317.5 million in 2018 to $246.4 million in 2020. This contraction coincided with the introduction of stricter chemical regulations, including the EU Mercury Regulation effective January 2018 and the New Psychoactive Substances Act enacted in November 2018, which tightened controls on chemical preparations. Further restrictions came in June 2020 with amendments to the Chemical Prohibition Ordinance, reinforcing limits on hazardous substances and mixtures, thereby constraining imports and domestic production.

Market volume dropped sharply to $136.3 million in 2021, followed by a period of instability with a modest recovery to $145.0 million in 2022 and a subsequent decrease to $122.6 million in 2023.

In 2024, the market rebounded to $145.4 million. This recovery was primarily driven by the revival of analog photography and innovations in imaging technologies, which boosted demand for photographic chemicals. Simultaneously, the chemical industry faced structural adjustments, including the closure of production facilities by major players such as BASF and Evonik, and the dissolution of the Photoindustrie-Verband industry association at year's end.

Production for retail sale photographic chemicals and unmixed products in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 81 445 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.5%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 6.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 49 296 tonnes of photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale, representing a 2.2% increase over the previous year.

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

Exports for retail sale photographic chemicals and unmixed products from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's export volume of photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 19 897 tonnes, showing a 9.9% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for photographic chemicals and unmixed products in kind was diverse. The Netherlands accounted for 11.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 9.1%, and France for 7.7%, together making up 28.5% of total flows. The remaining 71.5% was distributed among many other countries.

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 photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 301.5 million US dollars, which is 15.0% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 392.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of photographic chemicals and unmixed products in value terms from Germany were not highly concentrated. France accounted for 15.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 11.2%, and Italy for 7.7%, together representing 34.1% 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 for retail sale photographic chemicals and unmixed products to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's import volume of photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 995 tonnes, showing a significant 22.0% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 14.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 5.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 432 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was the leading supplier of photographic chemicals and unmixed products in kind to Germany, accounting for 33.1% of imports. France followed with 21.2%, and Belgium with 16.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 71.2% of total imports in kind.

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 photographic chemicals and unmixed products for retail sale have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 466.4 million US dollars, which is 18.5% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 612.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was the main supplier of photographic chemicals and unmixed products in value terms to Germany, accounting for 42.3% of imports. France contributed 26.8%, and China 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up 78.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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