Glass fibre non-woven thin sheets market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Production of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets in Germany decreased from 39 286 t in 2018 to 30 355 t in 2020, while the market volume fell from 29 820 t to 18 322 t over the same period. In value terms, production declined from 176.0 million US dollars to 145.6 million US dollars, and the market size contracted from 154.3 million US dollars to 101.5 million US dollars. Early regulatory initiatives by the Federal Network Agency in 2018 aimed at creating an investment-friendly environment for fibre optic networks laid the groundwork for future demand but did not immediately reverse the market contraction.

In 2021, production value rebounded to 199.3 million US dollars and market size grew to 130.5 million US dollars. This recovery coincided with the onset of large-scale investments in fibre optic network deployment, which gained momentum from 2022. Telecommunications operators committed billions of euros, specialized construction companies were established to accelerate rollout, and political targets to expand coverage stimulated demand for glass fibre materials used in infrastructure.

Import and export volumes showed significant fluctuations between 2021 and 2024, reflecting volatile demand and international trade conditions. Continued network expansion, with coverage reaching 43.2% by mid-2024, and legislative changes such as the adjustment of the Telecommunications Act influenced market dynamics throughout the period.

Production glass fibre non-woven thin sheets in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 145.6 million US dollars, representing a 7.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 176.0 million US dollars. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019, at 10.8%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018, at 8.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's production of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 30 355 tonnes, marking a 9.4% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 20.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.3%. The peak was reached in 2018, with 39 286 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, at 14.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 3.2%.

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

Exports glass fibre non-woven thin sheets from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets have declined for the second year running. In 2020, exports stood at 32 336 tonnes, down 6.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018, at 38 311 tonnes. The largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2019, at 9.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of countries. France accounted for 10.4% of exports, Belgium for 8.1%, and Poland for 7.8%. Together, these three partners made up just 26.3% of total exports, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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 glass fibre non-woven thin sheets have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 140.2 million US dollars, a modest decrease of 5.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 162.7 million US dollars. The largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2019, at 8.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in value terms were spread across numerous partner countries. France accounted for 11.7% of exports, the United States for 6.5%, and Poland for 6.5%. Combined, these three countries represented just 24.8% of total export value.

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 thin sheets to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totalled 20 303 tonnes, a significant reduction of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 38.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and China remained the main suppliers of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets to Germany. France accounted for 20.8% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 16.9%, and China for 15.7%. Together, these three countries made up 53.4% 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

Germany's imports of glass fibre non-woven thin sheets have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 96.2 million US dollars, down 10.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 30.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018, at 141.1 million US dollars. The largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2019, at 23.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 1.5%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the key sources for Germany's imports in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 58.6% 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