Plastic lavatory seats and covers market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the German market for plastic lavatory seats and covers was valued at 57.3 million USD, supported by high construction activity which boosted demand for sanitary ware products. The following year, market volume declined to 50.5 million USD, while the leading manufacturer Hamberger Sanitary expanded its international presence by establishing distribution companies in Brazil and Mexico.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumer priorities toward hygiene, increasing demand for antibacterial plastic seats and raising the market to 60.6 million USD. A recovery in plastics processing during 2021, coupled with growing preference for sustainable products, continued this upward trend, lifting the market to 68.5 million USD.

Market value peaked at 70.7 million USD in 2022, driven by demand for eco‑friendly options such as seats made from recycled materials, despite headwinds from high energy and raw material costs. However, in 2023 the market contracted sharply to 38.7 million USD.

Production plastic lavatory seats and covers in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of plastic lavatory seats and covers has now declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, output was valued at 20 238 thousand US dollars, marking a 20.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 36.2%, with an average annual decline of 13.9%.

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

Exports plastic lavatory seats and covers from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's exports of plastic lavatory seats and covers declined in 2020. Exports totaled 8 951 tonnes, reflecting a 3.9% drop from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 9 317 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for plastic lavatory seats and covers was diverse. Italy accounted for 11.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 11.1%, and Austria for 10.6%, together making up only 33.4% of total flows. The remaining 66.6% was distributed among many other countries.

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 plastic lavatory seats and covers has fallen for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 96.5 million US dollars, a 2.9% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 103.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 2.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 4.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's export partner portfolio for plastic lavatory seats and covers in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands represented 12.2% of exports, Italy 10.8%, and Austria 9.1%, together accounting for only 32.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports plastic lavatory seats and covers to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of plastic lavatory seats and covers have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 25 709 tonnes, showing a modest rise of 6.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Bulgaria, and Denmark were the leading sources for Germany's imports of plastic lavatory seats and covers in kind. China accounted for 52.6% of imports, Bulgaria for 25.4%, and Denmark for 6.3%, together comprising 84.2% of total flows.

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 import value of plastic lavatory seats and covers reached 136.9 million US dollars, up by 9.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 12.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 4.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Bulgaria, and Denmark were the principal sources for Germany's imports of plastic lavatory seats and covers in value terms. China represented 39.4% of imports, Bulgaria 25.5%, and Denmark 12.5%, jointly accounting for 77.4% of total flows.

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

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