Illuminated signs and name-plates market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for illuminated signs and name-plates in Germany showed significant activity in 2018, supported by strong import volumes indicating robust demand. A contraction followed in 2019 and 2020, reducing the market size to 223.0 million US dollars.

Recovery began in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of smart lighting and digital signage solutions, boosting demand. This trend continued despite economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behavior, with the structural shift to LED technology and growth in online sales from specialized providers supporting the market. By 2024, new legislative demands for supply chain transparency and circular economy, along with rising logistics costs, added expense pressures, but the digital signage segment continued to expand with the integration of AI technologies.

Key players including LEDVANCE GmbH, OSRAM GmbH, Signify (Philips), and Marelli Holdings shaped the competitive landscape, while the digital signage market in Germany reached a substantial size, reflecting sustained demand in this segment.

Production illuminated signs and name-plates in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of illuminated signs and name-plates declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 266.2 million US dollars, representing a 9.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 24.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.9%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 359.3 million US dollars, which saw a modest 2.0% increase. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 17.9% decrease.

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

Exports illuminated signs and name-plates from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's export volume of illuminated signs and name-plates fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 819 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 10.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 38.4%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 14.9%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. France accounted for 13.2% of exports, Switzerland for 9.0%, and Italy for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 30.5% of total export flows, while the remaining 69.5% went to other trading partners.

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 export value of illuminated signs and name-plates declined for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 96.3 million US dollars, showing a significant 13.3% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 36.2%, with an average annual decline of 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Austria, and France were notable but not dominant buyers of German illuminated signs and name-plates in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 13.5% of export value, Austria for 12.0%, and France for 9.5%. Their combined share reached only 35.1% 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 illuminated signs and name-plates to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's import volume of illuminated signs and name-plates decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 3 543 tonnes, indicating a substantial 19.3% fall from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 31.4%, with an average annual decrease of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, China, and Czechia consistently led Germany's import structure by volume. Poland accounted for 44.2% of imports, China for 17.1%, and Czechia for 8.5%. Together, these three countries made up 69.8% of total import 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, M $ US

Germany's import value of illuminated signs and name-plates fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 53.1 million US dollars, marking an 8.8% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 31.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, China, and Austria accounted for the largest shares of Germany's import value for illuminated signs and name-plates. Poland represented 29.5% of import value, China 15.3%, and Austria 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 57.1% of total import flows.

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

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