Laser and plasma machine tools market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for laser and plasma machine tools in Germany showed significant volatility between 2019 and 2024. It declined from $225.4 million in 2019 to $178.4 million in 2020, then surged to $289.7 million in 2021, dropped again to $178.1 million in 2022, and recovered to $287.9 million in 2024.

The recovery in 2024 was supported by the entry of new players like Photon Laser Manufacturing GmbH and technological innovations from leading companies such as Coherent Inc. and IPG Photonics, which introduced new laser products with higher precision and efficiency, stimulating production and demand.

Additionally, the launch of the EU-supported RESTORE project focused on sustainable remanufacturing using laser and plasma technologies highlighted the growing role of environmentally friendly processes, while research by Fraunhofer institutes further advanced sustainable technological development.

Production laser and plasma machine tools in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of laser and plasma machine tools was valued at 621.0 million US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 21.8%.

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

Exports laser and plasma machine tools from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of laser and plasma machine tools declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 17 236 tonnes, showing a substantial drop of 20.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 23.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.6%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 25 543 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Poland were the largest buyers of laser and plasma machine tools from Germany, accounting for 8.7%, 7.8%, and 7.6% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined contribution was limited to 24.0% of total exports in kind, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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 cross-border shipments of laser and plasma machine tools declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 840 million US dollars, representing a robust decrease of 23.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 18.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 1 243 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of laser and plasma machine tools from Germany were widely dispersed across partner countries. China, the United States, and France accounted for 12.2%, 11.1%, and 6.4% of exports in value terms, respectively, but together represented only 29.7% 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 laser and plasma machine tools to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's cross-border shipments of laser and plasma machine tools declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 11 705 tonnes, down by 28.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.4%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 19 174 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland accounted for 70.7% of total imports in kind of laser and plasma machine tools to Germany, while the remaining flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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 volume of laser and plasma machine tools imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 398 million US dollars, down by 25.7% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 691 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland played a leading role in imports in value terms of laser and plasma machine tools to Germany, with a share of 73.2% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed across 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