Insulating glass units market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the German market for insulating glass units was defined by a strong shift towards triple-glazing, driven by tightening energy efficiency requirements for building envelopes. This trend prompted manufacturers to modernize production lines and increase capacities to meet the rising demand, with triple-glazed units reaching over 60% market share by 2020.

Market volume entered a period of sustained contraction starting in 2022. A significant downturn in the window market, which shrank by 8.5% in 2023, directly reduced demand for insulating glass. Intensifying import competition from Poland and the broader economic impact of the Ukraine crisis further pressured the market, leading to a sharp decline in volume through 2024.

Despite the volume drop, the market value remained relatively resilient until 2022, reflecting the higher value of triple-glazed and multifunctional units. The industry adapted by focusing on innovative products, such as those with integrated sun protection systems, following updated testing standards like the ift directive VE-07/3.

Production insulating glass units in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output of insulating glass units was valued at 1 334 million US dollars in 2020, marking a small increase of 2.6% compared to the previous year. Production grew by 5% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.6%, while the peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 334 million US dollars, accompanied by the largest increase of 5.1% that same year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Germany's production of insulating glass units rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 20 476 thousand square meters, reflecting a modest rise of 1.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.4%, averaging an annualized decline of 1.5%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 20 240 thousand square meters, with the steepest drop of 4.1% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Exports insulating glass units from Germany

Exports in kind, K m²

Following two years of growth, Germany's exports of insulating glass units declined. In 2020, the country exported 5 663 thousand square meters, representing a measured decrease of 5.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 991 thousand square meters, which also saw the largest increase of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands was the leading destination for Germany's exports of insulating glass units in kind, accounting for 53.1% of the total. Poland followed with 12.5%, and Switzerland with 5.4%. Together, these three countries made up 71.0% of all export flows.

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

After two consecutive years of growth, Germany's exports of insulating glass units in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 401.2 million US dollars, showing a small reduction of 0.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 13.2%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 4.2%. The peak value was in 2019 at 403.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the top destination for Germany's exports of insulating glass units in value terms, representing 32.5% of the total. The United States accounted for 12.9%, and Switzerland for 11.0%. Combined, these three countries contributed 56.5% of all export 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 insulating glass units to Germany

Imports in kind, K m²

In 2020, Germany's imports of insulating glass units totaled 743 thousand square meters, indicating an 8.3% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 670 thousand square meters, while the highest was in 2019 at 811 thousand square meters, which also saw the largest increase of 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m²

Throughout 2017-2020, Czechia was the key partner for Germany's imports of insulating glass units in kind, accounting for 21.7% of the total. France followed with 17.5%, and Poland with 11.4%. Together, these three countries represented 50.6% of all 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 imports of insulating glass units in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 48.8 million US dollars, corresponding to a slight uptick of 2.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 21.3%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of insulating glass units to Germany in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Switzerland led with 19.3% of the total, followed by Czechia with 14.0%, and Poland with 11.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 45.0% of all 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