Glass fibre non-woven mats market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German glass fibre non-woven mats market grew from 144 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 150 thousand tonnes in 2019, then stabilized near 150 thousand tonnes in 2020. During 2020, the introduction of Jushi's ultra-high-modulus E9 glass fibre for lightweight wind turbine blades marked a significant technological advance, opening a new product segment within the industry.

Market volume surged to 202 thousand tonnes in 2021 and peaked at 305 thousand tonnes in 2022. This expansion aligned with regulatory changes in Germany affecting the glass and specialty synthetic fibres sector, which likely stimulated demand and production for related materials.

After a contraction to 163 thousand tonnes in 2023, the market recovered to 176 thousand tonnes in 2024. The recovery was supported by manufacturers' investments in energy-efficient melting technologies, which cut energy use by nearly 20%, and the expansion of production lines for high-strength glass fibres. Furthermore, rising adoption of glass fibre prepregs in electric vehicles and commercial aviation structures created additional demand from these evolving applications.

Production glass fibre non-woven mats in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of glass fibre non-woven mats declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 298.6 million US dollars, marking a slight reduction of 1.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 305.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Germany's production volume of glass fibre non-woven mats declined. In 2020, 143.3 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a drop of 2.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 5.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 146.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

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

Exports glass fibre non-woven mats from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of glass fibre non-woven mats fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 13,820 tonnes, down by 19.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18,598 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 22.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of glass fibre non-woven mats were distributed across numerous markets. The top three destinations—Czechia with 17.5% of exports, Poland with 10.3%, and Italy with 9.0%—collectively accounted for just 36.9% of total flows, highlighting a diverse export structure.

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

After two years of growth, Germany's exports of glass fibre non-woven mats declined. In 2020, export value amounted to 83,196 thousand US dollars, a fall of 14.8% from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 97,602 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden, Slovakia, and the United States were among the largest buyers of glass fibre non-woven mats from Germany, accounting for 14.2%, 12.7%, and 8.1% of exports in value terms, respectively. However, even combined, they represented only 34.9% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports glass fibre non-woven mats to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven mats declined. In 2020, Germany imported 20,085 tonnes, a moderate decrease of 5.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 21,320 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 10.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Slovakia, China, and Italy formed the core of Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven mats in kind, accounting for 26.5%, 25.2%, and 14.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 66.1% 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, K $ US

Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven mats declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 35,768 thousand US dollars, a solid drop of 13.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 48,238 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 6.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, China, and France accounted for the largest share of Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven mats in value terms, with 19.6%, 18.8%, and 14.9%, respectively. Together, they comprised 53.3% 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