Metal office furniture market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for metal office furniture in Germany more than doubled from 11 309 тыс. шт. in 2018 to 24 557 тыс. шт. in 2024. A sharp jump to 16 040 тыс. шт. in 2020 was directly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which abruptly increased home office demand and led manufacturers to develop ergonomic and portable products. This momentum continued into 2021 when market volume reached 23 336 тыс. шт., supported by the April 2021 introduction of PPG ERGOLUXE powder coatings, a technological innovation that opened new product segments and stimulated consumption.

Despite the overall market expansion, domestic production fell from 1 591 тыс. шт. in 2018 to 945 тыс. шт. in 2024. The 2018 reform of vocational training for metal and electrical professions, requiring requalification of skilled workers, introduced adjustments in production capacity. Later, rising raw material and logistics costs in 2023 exerted further pressure on manufacturers. In 2024, new DIN-EN standards for office tables and storage furniture mandated stricter durability tests, while the Building Energy Act (GEG) indirectly boosted demand for energy-efficient furniture. The Growth Opportunities Act 2024 also improved investment attractiveness through accelerated depreciation for new production assets.

Production metal office furniture in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's metal office furniture production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 373.0 million US dollars, marking a 10.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 19.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 7.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's metal office furniture production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 1 346 thousand units were produced, representing a significant 13.7% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 18.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.7%.

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

Exports metal office furniture from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Metal office furniture exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 29 861 thousand units, reflecting a 4.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 32 220 thousand units, following a 4.6% increase that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany exported metal office furniture to numerous countries. The top destinations—Switzerland, Austria, and France—collectively accounted for only 39.1% of total export volumes.

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

Metal office furniture exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 206.8 million US dollars, showing a modest 2.0% year-over-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 222.8 million US dollars, after a 13.6% rise that year, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 5.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany's metal office furniture exports in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Switzerland, France, and Austria were the leading destinations, but together they represented only 37.2% of total export value, with shares of 16.6%, 10.5%, and 10.1%, respectively.

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 office furniture to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

In 2020, Germany's metal office furniture imports reached 44 555 thousand units, up by 9.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 2.7% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Poland were consistently the main sources for Germany's metal office furniture imports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 63.5% of total imports, with Turkey at 28.9%, China at 20.5%, and Poland at 14.2%.

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, Germany's metal office furniture imports were valued at 151.0 million US dollars, increasing by 3.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 1.4%, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and Poland dominated Germany's metal office furniture imports in value terms. Together, they comprised 50.0% of total import value, with China at 17.8%, Turkey at 17.7%, and Poland at 14.5%.

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

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