Laptops and palm-top computers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the German market for laptops and palm-top computers showed considerable volatility in both volume and value. Market volume, measured in units, began the period at 11.2 million units in 2018, dipped to 10.4 million in 2019, then surged to a peak of 17.1 million units in 2021. The market value mirrored this trajectory, rising from $5.8 billion in 2018 to over $10.2 billion in 2021.

Following the 2021 peak, the market contracted significantly. By 2024, the market volume had fallen to 11.6 million units, a level close to that of 2018, while the market value settled at $7.4 billion. Domestic production volume remained relatively stable throughout the period, ranging between 202,000 and 270,000 units annually, but its value increased, indicating a shift towards higher-priced devices.

Production laptops and palm-top computers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's production of laptops and palm-top computers was valued at 226.8 million US dollars, representing a gradual increase of 4.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 216.8 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 247.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 12.5%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 12.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's production volume of laptops and palm-top computers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 213.6 thousand units were produced, marking a significant fall of 10.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 254.1 thousand units, with the largest increase that year at 0.2%. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 15.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%.

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

Exports laptops and palm-top computers from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

After a two-year decline, Germany's cross-border shipments of laptops and palm-top computers increased in 2020. Exports stood at 11 630 thousand units, reflecting an uptick of 15.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 074 thousand units, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's portfolio of buyers for laptops and palm-top computers was broad. France accounted for 15.6% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 11.8%, and Czechia for 11.6%, together contributing only 39.0% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but non-negligible shares.

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 a two-year reduction, Germany's exports of laptops and palm-top computers increased in 2020. The country exported 6 016 million US dollars worth of these products, representing a significant rise of 14.8% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 240 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 12.0%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. France contributed 15.1% of exports in value terms, Czechia 12.7%, and the United Kingdom 11.5%, jointly accounting for only 39.3% of total flows. The remaining 60.7% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports laptops and palm-top computers to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After a two-year decrease, the volume of laptops and palm-top computers imported by Germany increased in 2020. Imports stood at 25 784 thousand units, constituting a rise of 27.2% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 271 thousand units, with the largest decline that year at 6.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 17.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China dominated Germany's partner structure for imports in kind, with a share of 72.7% of total flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

In 2020, Germany's imports of laptops and palm-top computers were recorded at 13 619 million US dollars, marking a rise of 25.7% from a year earlier. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 831 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 5.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 23.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China played the leading role in Germany's imports in value terms, with a share of 75.5% of total flows. Other markets together accounted for the rest.

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

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