Mineral wool market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The mineral wool market in Germany opened the period with strong demand, reaching 653 thousand tons in 2018 driven by state funding and stricter fire safety regulations. Volume then declined over the following two years before recovering to 603 thousand tons in 2021, supported by the high priority given to building insulation standards within the EU.

Market volume contracted to 522 thousand tons in 2022 as sales stagnated and renovation business weakened. The downward movement continued sharply in 2023, with consumption falling to 393 thousand tons.

In 2024, the market rebounded to 476 thousand tons. This growth was supported by capacity expansion by major producers, the launch of innovative products such as lightweight mineral wool for HVAC ducts, and rising demand for eco-certified materials. Simultaneously, digital planning tools and new occupational safety rules began influencing industry practices.

Production mineral wool in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's mineral wool production value showed a mixed trend in recent years. After declining for two consecutive years, production increased slightly in 2020, reaching 476.7 million US dollars. This represented virtually no change compared to the previous year. Looking at the full 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 15.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.4%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 475.4 million US dollars, which also saw the sharpest annual decline of 11.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's mineral wool production volume continued its downward trend for the second straight year. In 2020, the country produced 590.3 thousand tons, representing a 4.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.4%, averaging a 2.9% annual decline. Production peaked in 2018 at 670.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 8.2% decrease.

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

Exports mineral wool from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's mineral wool exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 166.6 thousand tons, marking a 7.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 8.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.0%. Exports reached their highest level in 2018 at 202.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.8%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019 with an 11.3% decrease.

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

An analysis of Germany's mineral wool export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse market distribution. Austria accounted for 28.9% of exports, Switzerland for 13.2%, and the Netherlands for 5.6%. Together, these three countries represented 47.7% of total export flows, while the remaining 52.3% was distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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 mineral wool export value showed modest growth in 2020, reaching 200.2 million US dollars, which represented a slight 1.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 2.1%, averaging a 0.7% annual increase. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 222.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.3% decrease.

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

Germany's mineral wool export market in value terms was broadly distributed from 2017 to 2020. Austria accounted for 20.6% of export value, Switzerland for 12.9%, and the Netherlands for 6.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 40.0% of total export flows, while the remaining 60.0% was shared among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports mineral wool to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's mineral wool imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 145.7 thousand tons, representing a 5.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 6.1%, averaging a 2.1% annual decline. Imports peaked in 2018 at 185.3 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 16.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's mineral wool imports were concentrated among a few key suppliers. Poland accounted for 28.6% of import volume, the Netherlands for 19.9%, and Slovenia for 18.5%. Together, these three countries represented 66.9% of total mineral wool imports to Germany, making them the primary sources.

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 mineral wool import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 198.8 million US dollars, representing a 2.6% decrease from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 237.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.3% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia remained Germany's principal suppliers of mineral wool in value terms. Poland accounted for 27.1% of import value, the Netherlands for 21.7%, and Slovenia for 10.5%. Together, these three countries represented 59.3% of Germany's total mineral wool imports by value.

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

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