Non wood fibre pulp market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-wood fibre pulp in Germany showed considerable volatility between 2019 and 2021. It reached a value of 73.2 million USD in 2019 before contracting sharply to 48.2 million USD in 2020. By 2021, the market had stabilized at 48.7 million USD, a movement partly explained by rising raw material costs for fibres, which increased the monetary value of the output.

A key industry shift occurred in 2022 with the launch of straw-based pulp production at Essity's Mannheim plant, marking a significant investment in alternative fibre capacity within Germany. This expansion directly broadened the domestic supply base for non-wood fibres, aligning with growing demand for sustainable materials.

The regulatory landscape evolved considerably by 2024, introducing new EU and national guidelines on the legality and sustainability of pulp raw materials. Concurrently, a levy on single-use plastic packaging indirectly stimulated demand for paper-based alternatives. These factors were compounded by global supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability and a 5.9% increase in industry wages from the 2024 tariff round, influencing production costs.

Production non wood fibre pulp in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's non-wood fibre pulp output was valued at 35,884 thousand US dollars, marking a year-on-year decline of 16.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany ranked 22nd globally in non-wood fibre pulp production.

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

Germany's non-wood fibre pulp production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 63,420 tonnes, representing a 4.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2019-2020 period, production fell by 24.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%.

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

Exports non wood fibre pulp from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's non-wood fibre pulp export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 241.9 thousand tonnes, a 2.4% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 274.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.0% that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's non-wood fibre pulp exports were distributed across numerous countries. Austria accounted for 18.1% of exports in kind, France for 17.6%, and Poland for 9.3%, with these three countries together making up only 45.1% of total export flows.

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

Non-wood fibre pulp export volumes from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 161.9 million US dollars, a 4.3% decrease compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 188.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 15.1% that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the largest buyer of non-wood fibre pulp from Germany in value terms, accounting for 15.0% of exports, followed by Austria at 14.9% and Poland at 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 37.3% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports non wood fibre pulp to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Germany's non-wood fibre pulp import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 284.3 thousand tonnes, a 21.7% year-on-year decrease. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 363.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 18.1% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for Germany's non-wood fibre pulp imports. Switzerland accounted for 26.5% of imports in kind, Finland for 13.6%, and Sweden for 9.4%, with these three countries together taking only 49.5% of total imports, while many smaller partners each held 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

After a two-year advance, Germany's non-wood fibre pulp imports declined. In 2020, imports stood at 174.2 million US dollars, down by 12.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 199.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 14.6% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, non-wood fibre pulp imports to Germany came from a broad set of markets. The Philippines accounted for 17.6% of imports in value terms, Hungary for 12.5%, and Finland for 11.3%, with these three countries together representing only 41.3% of total import value, while many smaller destinations made up the remaining 58.7%.

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

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