Not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for non-reinforced polystyrene sheets in Germany declined from 166.6 thousand tons to 156.3 thousand tons, while market value fell from $464.2 million to $375.2 million. Underlying demand for expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation in the construction sector, supported by EU energy efficiency directives for building renovation, provided market support but did not prevent this moderate contraction.

Market volume stabilized around 156 thousand tons in 2021 and 2022, while its value surged to $516.5 million in 2021 and further to $579.4 million in 2022. This rise in value coincided with positive turnover developments in Germany's plastics industry. In 2022, the sector faced production declines, and a growing focus on sustainable and recyclable materials began influencing the polystyrene market.

By 2024, market volume dropped sharply to 113.5 thousand tons and value to $363.9 million. This occurred alongside falling import prices for polystyrene and initial signs of recovery in the plastics industry during the second quarter of 2024. Concurrently, investments in recycling capacities and the development of bio-based alternatives intensified, reflecting an increased industry focus on sustainability.

Production not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 572.9 M $ US, marking a 10.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.5%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 694.9 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 5.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 196.8 K t were produced, reflecting a moderate decrease of 3.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 0.0%.

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

Exports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 94.5 K t, marking a decrease of 3.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 14.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.9%.

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

The country composition of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Poland accounted for 19.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 11.0%, and Austria for 10.0%, together forming just 40.7% of total flows. The remaining 59.3% was split among a wide range of 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

Foreign supplies of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 349.4 M $ US, representing a limited decline of 5.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets from Germany were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Poland, Austria, and the United Kingdom—together represented only 36.8% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, imports of not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets into Germany increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 54.1 K t, up by 4.5% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 51.7 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets were supplied to Germany from many different markets. Even the largest sources—France, Italy, and Austria—together represented only 46.3% of total imports in kind.

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 not reinforced or laminated non-cellular PS sheets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 151.7 M $ US, remaining relatively stable from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 15.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 183.9 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 2.1%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 17.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Austria accounted for 18.5% of imports, France for 14.3%, and Turkey for 12.8%, together making up only 45.5% of total flows. The remaining 54.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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