Medical wadding, gauze and bandages market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for medical wadding, gauze and bandages in Germany saw a substantial increase in 2018, reaching 954 million USD, a 32% rise from the previous year. This surge was driven by the implementation of new EU medical device regulations, which came into force in spring 2017 and required adjustments to products including dressings to meet updated standards, coupled with a strong economic climate and a thriving healthcare sector that boosted resources for medical supplies. Growth continued through 2019 and 2020, though at a more moderate pace, bringing the market volume to 1 022 million USD by 2020.

In 2021, the market contracted by 15%, falling to 873 million USD, but rebounded sharply in 2022 with a 21% jump to 1 057 million USD. These fluctuations occurred without distinct external drivers, likely reflecting internal adjustments in demand and supply within the sector.

By 2024, the market volume declined to 958 million USD, 9% below the 2022 peak. During this period, innovation took center stage: demand grew for antimicrobial dressings to combat infections in chronic wounds, and Mindray Animal Medical invested in building a new research and production hub in Germany, strengthening its presence in the veterinary segment. These developments pointed to a market shift toward high-tech products and specialized applications.

Production medical wadding, gauze and bandages in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 876.8 million US dollars, marking a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 54.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.7%.

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

Exports medical wadding, gauze and bandages from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany exported 33 936 tonnes of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in 2020, showing a modest decline of 8.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 6.5%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 2.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 36 921 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages were widely distributed across countries. The Netherlands accounted for 12.8% of exports, France for 11.7%, and the United States for 6.8%, together making up just 31.3% of total flows. The remaining 68.7% was spread among numerous other destinations.

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 two years of growth, exports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages from Germany declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 805.4 million US dollars, down 2.7% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 827.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 1.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in value terms were not highly concentrated. The Netherlands held a 13.6% share, France 13.1%, and the United Kingdom 7.9%, together accounting for only 34.6% 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 medical wadding, gauze and bandages to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 53 246 tonnes of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages, a slight decrease of 1.7% from the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 52 617 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 54 160 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading source for Germany's imports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages, accounting for 38.2% of the volume. Czechia followed with 16.5%, and Spain with 5.3%, together making up 60.1% 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 medical wadding, gauze, and bandages have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 950.2 million US dollars, up 0.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 14.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's imports of medical wadding, gauze, and bandages in value terms were not heavily concentrated. China accounted for 19.2% of imports, Czechia for 11.9%, and the United Kingdom for 9.8%, together representing 40.9% of total flows.

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

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