Photosensitive semiconductor devices market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of photosensitive semiconductor devices in Germany grew from 259.5 million USD to 360.1 million USD. This increase was supported by improved framework conditions for renewable energy, including the continuation of EEG feed-in tariffs. The abolition of the solar cap in October 2020 reduced market uncertainty and enabled new investments, while the introduction of incentives for self-consumption and battery storage in 2021 enhanced the economic attractiveness of photovoltaic systems.

Production continued to expand, peaking at 456.4 million USD in 2023. This growth was driven by low module prices, high electricity prices, and further policy support such as the extension of EEG subsidies for systems up to 20 kW and tax relief for small operators. In 2024, however, production declined to 409.6 million USD amid a sharp 66% drop in module imports, linked to supply chain developments and price movements, while the 'Solarpaket I' legislation accelerated expansion and simplified grid connection procedures.

Production photosensitive semiconductor devices in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of photosensitive semiconductor devices declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 350.6 million US dollars, but by 2020 it had fallen to 308.8 million US dollars, representing a significant drop of 11.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 26.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 35.1%.

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

Exports photosensitive semiconductor devices from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in physical terms declined after two years of expansion. In 2019, exports peaked at 883.1 tonnes, but in 2020 they dropped sharply to 483.5 tonnes, a decrease of 45.3%. From 2017 to 2020, overall exports fell by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, when exports grew by 31.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Germany's exports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in physical terms were Lithuania, China, and Denmark. Lithuania accounted for 20.3% of exports, China for 17.7%, and Denmark for 17.1%. Together, these three countries represented 55.1% of Germany's total exports in this category.

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 exports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 121.8 million US dollars, but by 2020 they had fallen to 91.0 million US dollars, a decrease of 20.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when exports rose by 19.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the key markets for Germany's exports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in value terms were China, Denmark, and the United States. China accounted for 26.9% of exports, Denmark for 13.5%, and the United States for 10.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 51.0% of Germany's total export value in this sector.

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

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

Imports photosensitive semiconductor devices to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in physical terms showed a moderate increase in 2020, reaching 168.3 tonnes, up 3.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 54.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 171.7 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 5.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a jump of 57.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in physical terms came from a diverse range of countries. The top suppliers were the Philippines, accounting for 18.7% of imports, China with 16.1%, and the United States with 11.9%. Together, these three partners represented 46.6% of total imports in this category.

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 photosensitive semiconductor devices in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports peaked at 144.3 million US dollars, but by 2020 they had dropped significantly, marking a year-on-year decline of 21.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 50.8%, which equates to an average annual decline of 21.1%. The largest decrease was recorded in 2019, when imports fell by 49.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 24.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the primary sources for Germany's imports of photosensitive semiconductor devices in value terms were the Philippines, China, and Asia, not elsewhere specified. The Philippines accounted for 20.9% of imports, China for 20.2%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified for 15.3%. Together, these three partners represented 56.4% of Germany's total import value in this sector.

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

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