Liquid meters market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The implementation of the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) for water meters in Germany in 2018 established new regulatory standards for liquid meters. Simultaneously, introduced calibration deadlines required the replacement of meters installed in 2018 by the end of 2024, creating an initial surge in demand. This drove market volume to 7.8 million units in 2018. Subsequently, the market contracted over the next two years, falling to 6.0 million units by 2020.

Market volume recovered to 7.4 million units in 2021 but declined again to 6.8 million units in 2023. In contrast, the market value demonstrated more consistent growth, increasing from $214.3 million in 2018 to $249.7 million in 2024. This divergence indicates a gradual shift toward higher-value, technologically advanced products over the period.

By 2024, the expiry of transition periods for type approvals under German measurement law and the full enforcement of the MID increased regulatory pressure for meter replacement. Concurrently, the market launch of new, portable electromagnetic flow meters by major players like ABB and Yokogawa introduced more sophisticated digital options. These factors supported strong value growth, with the market reaching $249.7 million, even as the physical volume stabilized at 6.7 million units.

Production liquid meters in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of liquid meters in monetary terms declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 308.9 million US dollars. However, in 2020, production fell to 234.6 million US dollars, marking a significant drop of 24.1% compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 9.0%. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's production of liquid meters in physical terms declined after two years of gains. In 2019, output peaked at 7 868 thousand units. In 2020, production dropped to 6 398 thousand units, reflecting a strong year-over-year decline of 18.7%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018, at 2.4%. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.5%.

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

Exports liquid meters from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's exports of liquid meters in physical terms declined after two years of gains. In 2019, exports reached their highest level at 5 167 thousand units, with an increase of 11.8% that year. However, in 2020, exports fell to 3 710 thousand units, which is 28.2% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 12.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of liquid meters in physical terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Poland accounted for 23.8% of exports, France for 9.6%, and Austria for 6.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 40.1% of total export flows, 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, M $ US

Germany's exports of liquid meters in monetary terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports peaked at 193.9 million US dollars, with an increase of 21.9% that year. In 2020, exports dropped to 144.9 million US dollars, down by 24.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer of liquid meters from Germany in value terms, accounting for 9.4% of exports. France followed with 8.9%, and Poland with 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 26.0% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base for Germany's liquid meter exports.

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

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

Imports liquid meters to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

Germany's imports of liquid meters in physical terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their highest level at 4 648 thousand units, with an increase of 4.8% that year. In 2020, imports fell to 3 296 thousand units, which is 26.9% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 25.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets dominated Germany's imports of liquid meters in physical terms: China, Slovakia, and France. Together, they accounted for 73.6% 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, M $ US

Germany's imports of liquid meters in monetary terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 112.8 million US dollars, with an increase of 9.6% that year. In 2020, imports dropped to 88.3 million US dollars, representing a substantial fall of 16.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the main supplier of liquid meters to Germany in value terms, accounting for 27.3% of imports. Denmark followed with 19.1%, and Slovakia with 16.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 63.0% of total import value.

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

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