Metal caps and lids market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for metal caps and lids, measured in volume, remained relatively stable around 121 thousand tons in 2019-2020 before expanding sharply to 135 thousand tons in 2021 and peaking at 142 thousand tons in 2022. A contraction to 129 thousand tons followed in 2023, with a partial recovery to 134 thousand tons in 2024. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern but with more pronounced swings, rising from $448 million in 2019 to $661 million in 2022, then easing to $611 million in 2023 before growing again to $636 million in 2024.

Domestic production volumes fluctuated between 123 and 137 thousand tons during the period, while import volumes grew notably from 77 thousand tons in 2019 to 101 thousand tons in 2021 before moderating. Exports declined steadily after 2021, falling from 98 thousand tons to 77 thousand tons by 2024, which contributed to the higher domestic market volume in the latter year.

In 2024, the EU-wide mandatory introduction of tethered caps for single-use plastic beverage bottles came into force, aiming to reduce plastic waste. While the regulation directly targets plastic closures, it reinforced broader industry and consumer trends towards sustainable packaging materials. Aluminum, favored for its lightness, corrosion resistance, and recyclability, continued to dominate the metal caps segment. Simultaneously, manufacturers invested in upgrading production facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste, supporting the market's adaptation to evolving demands.

Production metal caps and lids in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of metal caps and lids was valued at 664.0 million US dollars, showing a slight contraction of 3.0% compared to 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 123.8 thousand tonnes of metal caps and lids, reflecting a 7.0% decline from the previous year.

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

Exports metal caps and lids from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, the volume of metal caps and lids exported from Germany increased in 2020. Export volume reached 90.2 thousand tonnes, up 1.3% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 89.0 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany exported metal caps and lids to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—France, Poland, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for only 39.5% of total export volume.

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

Following a two-year decline, the value of metal caps and lids exported from Germany rose in 2020. Exports reached 631.2 million US dollars, an 8.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 580.4 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year at 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export partners for metal caps and lids in value terms were diverse. France (16.7% of export value), Denmark (8.2%), and Poland (8.0%) together represented just 32.9% of total export 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 metal caps and lids to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign supplies of metal caps and lids to Germany increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 87.6 thousand tonnes, a robust 13.1% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 28.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, no single market dominated Germany's imports of metal caps and lids in volume terms. France (17.3% of import volume), Poland (15.2%), and Italy (14.3%) together accounted for only 46.8% of total imports, with many smaller partners holding modest individual 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, the value of metal caps and lids imported into Germany totaled 394.2 million US dollars, a 14.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 38%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's import partners for metal caps and lids in value terms were broad. Poland (18.7% of import value), France (15.4%), and Italy (12.3%) together formed only 46.4% of total flows, with the remaining 53.6% supplied by many other countries.

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

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