Leather finishing agents market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for leather finishing agents in Germany declined from 72 085 t to 60 791 t. This contraction was primarily driven by intensified competitive pressure from developing countries building their own leather industries, as well as the relocation of German shoe and leather goods manufacturing to low-wage countries, which eroded domestic demand for these chemical auxiliaries.

A temporary rebound occurred in 2021, with market volume rising to 63 334 t. This recovery was supported by stronger demand for leather goods, particularly handbags, as noted by the industry association HDS/L. However, the market volume fell sharply again to 53 642 t in 2022, coinciding with a continued decrease in the number of firms within the German leather and shoe sector, even as companies increased investments in innovation and sustainable product development.

By 2024, the market volume had stabilized at 52 804 t. During this period, the industry's focus shifted markedly toward eco-friendly solutions, including the growing significance of vegan bio-leather with a projected high growth rate. Regulatory frameworks such as REACH and CLP continued to critically influence product development and market access for finishing agents.

Production leather finishing agents in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of leather finishing agents has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 144.5 million US dollars, representing a significant decrease of 11.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of leather finishing agents has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 82.9 thousand tonnes, down by 9.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 23.9%, with an average annual rate of decline of 8.7%.

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

Exports leather finishing agents from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of leather finishing agents have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country shipped 24 646 tonnes abroad, which is 9.0% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 26.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Italy, and Mexico were the largest buyers of leather finishing agents from Germany, accounting for 15.9%, 14.3%, and 5.9% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 36.2% of total exports, indicating a diversified export 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, K $ US

Germany's exports of leather finishing agents in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 70 193 thousand US dollars, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 5.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 19.2%, with an average annual decline of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. China, Italy, and Mexico accounted for 17.2%, 11.8%, and 4.9% of exports in value, respectively, jointly representing 33.8% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 66.2%.

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

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

Imports leather finishing agents to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany imported approximately 2 497 tonnes of leather finishing agents in 2020, reflecting a gradual decrease of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 22%, with an average annual decline of 8.0%. The largest drop occurred in 2018, at 19.5%, while the highest increase was in 2019, at 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and the Netherlands were the top suppliers of leather finishing agents to Germany, accounting for 38.1%, 19.0%, and 16.6% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 73.7% of total imports.

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 contraction, Germany's imports of leather finishing agents in value terms increased in 2020. The country imported approximately 7 241 thousand US dollars, marking a slight advance of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 128 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, France, and the Netherlands consistently remained the main sources for Germany's imports in value terms, accounting for 33.4%, 18.3%, and 14.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 66.6% of total 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