Particle board of wood market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German particle board market showed relative stability in volume between 2018 and 2020, hovering around 6.1 million m³ annually. This was followed by a notable increase to 6.2 million m³ in 2021. However, the market contracted sharply over the next two years, falling to 5.8 million m³ in 2022 and then to 4.8 million m³ in 2023, before a partial recovery to 5.0 million m³ in 2024.

The production of particle board in Germany mirrored this pattern, peaking at 6.0 million m³ in 2021 before declining to 4.6 million m³ in 2023. Export volumes also surged in 2021 to 2.1 million m³, contributing to the overall market dynamics. The importance of supply chains for wood residues, a key input for production, is a relevant factor for the industry's output levels.

Production particle board of wood in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's particle board production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 1 486 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 4.2% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 703 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 10.1%. In contrast, the sharpest drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 9.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Germany ranked third globally in particle board production by volume.

Top producers of particle board of wood, 2017-2020

World map of production of particle board of wood, 2017-2020

Germany's particle board production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 556 thousand cubic meters, which is 2.8% less than the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, though it remained at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports particle board of wood from Germany

Exports in kind, K m³

Germany's particle board exports fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 1 652 thousand cubic meters, representing a 4.4% year-over-year decline. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 10.2%, with a compound annual decline of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's particle board exports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. The top three destinations—Poland (16.8% of exports), the United Kingdom (12.1%), and France (11.0%)—together accounted for only 40.0% 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

Germany's particle board exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 475.9 million US dollars, corresponding to an 8.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 10.5%, with a compound annual decline of 3.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 585.3 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 10.1%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of Germany's particle board exports in value terms was highly diversified. The top three markets—the United Kingdom (13.9% of exports), the Netherlands (11.2%), and France (10.7%)—together made up only 35.8% of total flows. The remaining 64.2% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports particle board of wood to Germany

Imports in kind, K m³

Germany's particle board imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 176 thousand cubic meters, up by 2.4% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.9%, with a compound annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 121 thousand cubic meters, which also saw the largest decline of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets—Austria, Czechia, and France—together accounted for 68.9% of Germany's total particle board imports in volume terms.

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 particle board imports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 529.3 million US dollars, which is 4.3% smaller than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.9%, with a compound annual decline of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 598.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 7.4%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria (39.1% of imports in value terms), Czechia (14.5%), and France (14.2%) remained the main suppliers of particle board to Germany, jointly forming 67.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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