Iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for iron and steel bridge structures in Germany remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2020, with market volume hovering around 79-81 thousand tons. A slight correction in 2019 and 2020 led to stabilization at 79.3 thousand tons by the end of the period.

Market volume grew to 85.6 thousand tons in 2021, a 7.9% increase from the previous year, and held steady at 85.5 thousand tons in 2022. This growth phase aligned with the ongoing digitalization and standardization of bridge maintenance by Deutsche Bahn initiated in 2018, which improved efficiency in the infrastructure sector.

A significant surge occurred in 2023, with market volume jumping 22.5% to 104.7 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by large-scale state investments in infrastructure modernization, including DB InfraGO AG's program to refurbish over 25,700 railway bridges, and the enactment of the Infrastruktur-Zukunftsgesetz to accelerate construction. Additionally, the German steel industry's transition toward sustainable production with investments in electric arc furnaces bolstered steel supply for building projects. In 2024, market volume slightly eased to 101.1 thousand tons, but the market value continued rising to 431.3 million US dollars, reflecting higher value from technological upgrades and demand for premium materials.

Production iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, output was valued at 310.1 million US dollars, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, production grew by 30.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections production in Germany declined. In 2019, Germany produced 80 485 tonnes, marking a 4.7% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2019, production increased by 13.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 16.0%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 4.7%.

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

Exports iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections from Germany

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany exported 5 459 tonnes of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections, down by 28.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 41%, with an annualized rate of 16.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 365 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 42.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 43.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections was diverse. The Netherlands accounted for 16.5% of exports in kind, Russia for 9.5%, and the United Arab Emirates for 9.4%, together forming only 35.4% of total flows. The remaining 64.6% 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany exported 41 552 thousand US dollars worth of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections, which is 6.2% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.4%, with an annualized rate of 8.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 40 163 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 26.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 10.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, exports in value terms of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections from Germany were relatively evenly distributed. Russia accounted for 11.7% of exports in value terms, the United Arab Emirates for 11.0%, and Qatar for 9.2%, jointly representing only 31.8% 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 iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two years of reduction, iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections imports into Germany increased. In 2020, import volume reached 4 285 tonnes, indicating a sharp rise of 66.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017–2020, imports decreased by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 572 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 45.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria led the structure of imports in kind with 25.6%, followed by Poland at 16.5% and Slovakia at 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 54.8% 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, K $ US

After two years of decrease, foreign supplies of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to Germany increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 13 966 thousand US dollars, up by 57.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017–2020, imports grew by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 884 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia was the principal supplier of iron or steel bridge structures and bridge sections to Germany, accounting for 22.2% of imports in value terms, followed by Hungary at 17.5% and Poland at 17.3%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 57.0% 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