Laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the German market for laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware experienced notable fluctuations in physical volume, peaking at 12 080 t in 2022 after starting at 10 502 t in 2018, before declining to 9 708 t by 2024. In value terms, the market demonstrated more consistent growth, rising from 147.9 million US dollars in 2018 to 213.3 million US dollars in 2024, with a particularly strong increase after 2020.

The volume growth to 12 080 t in 2022 coincided with Germany reinforcing its position as a leading global exporter, while domestic demand was driven by the needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Regulatory requirements from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for batch traceability and documentation further stimulated procurement of certified laboratory glassware. In subsequent years, despite a reduction in physical tonnage, market value continued to advance due to technological enhancements, such as the adoption of smart glassware with sensor integration, and sustained pharmaceutical industry investment in research and development.

The EMA regulatory framework remained a persistent market-shaping factor throughout the period, mandating high quality and traceability standards. This, combined with the expansion of the biopharmaceutical segment, supported demand for specialized glass, which was reflected in rising average product value even amid fluctuations in volume.

Production laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware reached 285.5 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 286.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with a drop of 2.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, the production volume of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware in Germany declined. In 2020, output totaled 11 986 tonnes, reflecting a substantial decrease of 16.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.0%. The highest volume was achieved in 2019 at 14 334 tonnes, while 2018 saw the largest annual increase of 7.1%.

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

Exports laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Exports of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware from Germany decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volumes amounted to 8 457 tonnes, down by 9.4% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 4.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.4%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 442 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware were distributed across numerous markets. The United States accounted for 16.6% of export volumes, France for 8.9%, and the United Kingdom for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 34.1% of total export flows, indicating a diverse market base.

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

The value of exported laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware from Germany fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 246.8 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 0.9% from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 9.7%, with an annualized growth rate of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 250.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the largest buyer of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware from Germany in value terms, accounting for 14.4% of exports. France followed with 8.6%, and the United Kingdom with 7.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 30.9% of total export value, highlighting their significance amid a wide range of smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's imports of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware reached 5 778 tonnes, showing a notable reduction of 12.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import volumes decreased by 2.2%, with an annualized rate of -0.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 574 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 12.1%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, China was the leading supplier of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware to Germany in volume terms, representing 23.1% of imports. Czechia followed with 21.7%, and the United States with 10.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 55.6% of total import volumes, underscoring their dominant role in Germany's supply chain.

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 laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 103.9 million US dollars, down by 2.1% from the previous year. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 111.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with a drop of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of laboratory, hygienic, or pharmaceutical glassware in value terms were spread across many countries. The United States accounted for 28.0% of import value, China for 9.5%, and Czechia for 8.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 45.9% of total import flows, reflecting a relatively concentrated sourcing pattern compared to the broader distribution of other partners.

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

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