Plasticised PVC compounds market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market size for plasticised PVC compounds in Germany experienced fluctuations, starting at 92.2 million USD in 2018. It declined to 75.3 million USD in 2019, then recovered to 88.9 million USD in 2020 and rose sharply to 123.2 million USD in 2021. The initial period was supported by stable demand from the construction and electrical industries, a key driver for PVC applications such as pipes, profiles, and cables.

The market contracted to 101.3 million USD in 2022 amid broader uncertainties in the PVC and plastics processing sector. A severe downturn followed in 2023, with the market size plummeting to 63.6 million USD, driven by a 15.3% drop in plastics production, soaring energy costs, and high labor expenses that eroded competitiveness. Additionally, failed policy decisions from 2023 weighed on the industry. In 2024, the market rebounded to 86.2 million USD, supported by a global expansion in demand for plasticised PVC compounds and a significant decrease in primary PVC prices, even as new regulatory measures like the Single-Use Plastic Fund Law and labeling requirements came into force.

Production plasticised PVC compounds in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output of plasticised PVC compounds was valued at 200.6 million US dollars in 2020, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 6.2%. However, production declined by 4.7% overall between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 189.0 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 217.5 million US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, with a decline of 13.1%.

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

Exports plasticised PVC compounds from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of plasticised PVC compounds from Germany fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, shipments totalled 104.3 thousand tonnes, down 5.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 125.5 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.9% drop, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018 at 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of plasticised PVC compounds in kind were relatively diversified rather than concentrated. Poland accounted for 18.3% of exports in kind, Czechia for 11.2%, and Slovakia for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 38.5% 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

The value of plasticised PVC compounds exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 181.8 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 9.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 229.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.6% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 9.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for Germany's exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Poland contributed 19.0% of exports in value terms, Czechia 8.4%, and Slovakia 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 35.3% of total flows, with many other nations accounting for the remaining 64.7%.

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

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

Imports plasticised PVC compounds to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of plasticised PVC compounds into Germany decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 40.5 thousand tonnes, showing a 17.4% decline compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 35.6%, which equates to an annualized rate of 13.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium were the leading sources for Germany's imports of plasticised PVC compounds in kind. Switzerland accounted for 23.9% of imports in kind, Italy for 22.6%, and Belgium for 17.3%. Together, these three countries made up 63.7% of total import 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

Germany's imports of plasticised PVC compounds in value terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 70.1 million US dollars, indicating a drop of 19.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 104.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland remained the key partners for Germany's imports of plasticised PVC compounds in value terms. Italy accounted for 23.0% of imports in value terms, Belgium for 22.2%, and Switzerland for 20.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.5% 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