Organic solvents and paint removers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the German market volume for organic solvents and paint removers grew from 111.2 thousand tonnes to 141.0 thousand tonnes. This expansion was supported by industry commitments to reduce volatile organic compounds and heavy metals, which encouraged a shift toward more environmentally friendly alternatives. The introduction of new product segments like powder coatings and rising demand for bio-based solvents further contributed to market growth during this period.

Changing consumer preferences toward sustainable products and the entry of new players specializing in bio-based solvents helped sustain growth into 2021 and 2022. However, in 2023, sales volumes of paints and coatings fell by approximately 3%, notably in the professional segment, leading to a decline in overall market volume to 107.4 thousand tonnes by 2024.

Despite the volume contraction, leading German manufacturers such as Deutsche Amphibolin-Werke reported revenue increases, indicating a market shift toward higher-value sustainable products. The industry continued to focus on low-VOC formulations and water-based paints, reflecting ongoing regulatory and consumer pressure for improved environmental compatibility.

Production organic solvents and paint removers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 348.5 million US dollars, down 2.8% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.3%, when production peaked at 377.6 million US dollars.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 199.9 thousand tons of organic solvents and paint removers, a 3.9% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 4.5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.5%. The largest increase during this period was in 2019, at 2.0%.

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

Exports organic solvents and paint removers from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 103.1 thousand tons, down 8.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.8%, with an average annual decline of 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Belgium, and Italy were the largest buyers of organic solvents and paint removers from Germany, accounting for 12.5%, 10.3%, and 8.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 31.5% of total exports, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller 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 export value of organic solvents and paint removers declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 237.5 million US dollars, a modest 8.6% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 6.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 279.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Belgium were the top buyers of organic solvents and paint removers from Germany in value terms, accounting for 8.8%, 7.7%, and 6.7% of exports, respectively. Their combined share was 23.2%, indicating a diversified export structure with many smaller markets.

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

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

Imports organic solvents and paint removers to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Germany's imports of organic solvents and paint removers increased in 2020. Imports totaled 22.7 thousand tons, up 12.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 20.2 thousand tons, following the largest decline of 10.3% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's import structure in kind was highly diversified. Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the largest sources, accounting for 19.5%, 15.2%, and 14.6% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 49.3% of total flows, with the remaining 50.7% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

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 imports of organic solvents and paint removers were valued at 80.3 million US dollars, a 5.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 6.4%, averaging an annual increase of 2.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 82.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.6%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium consistently led Germany's import structure in value terms, accounting for 20.1%, 19.8%, and 12.6% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 52.5% of total import flows.

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

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