Plugs and sockets market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for plugs and sockets in Germany contracted from USD 1 834 million in 2018 to USD 1 469 million in 2019, before stabilizing around USD 1 449 million in 2020.

A recovery began in 2021, with the market size reaching USD 1 837 million, and further growth to USD 2 011 million in 2022. This expansion coincided with the dynamic development of the market for plug-and-play solar power systems (balcony power plants), which connect via standard plugs and sockets. In 2022, the VDE published a draft product standard for these plug-in solar devices, setting a threshold of 600 watts and requirements for Schuko connectors, which likely stimulated demand for compatible plugs and sockets.

By 2024, the market size had decreased to USD 1 017 million. During this year, regulatory changes for balcony power plants came into effect, raising the maximum inverter output to 800 watts and permitting connection via Schuko plugs with additional safety measures. New VDE standards for sockets, including enhanced touch protection and labeling requirements, were also introduced. Additionally, the mandatory adoption of USB-C ports for new devices from late 2024 began to shape product offerings, while the market for industrial plugs and sockets continued to grow globally due to electrification trends.

Production plugs and sockets in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of plugs and sockets reached 3 441 million US dollars in 2020, showing no change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 4.1%, with an average annual decrease of 1.4%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 3 427 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 3 881 million US dollars. The most significant drop of 11.7% took place in 2019, whereas the largest increase of 8.2% was observed in 2018.

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

Exports plugs and sockets from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's export volume of plugs and sockets fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 66 309 tonnes, marking a 4.5% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 8.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 74 384 tonnes. The most substantial decrease of 6.6% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 2.9% was seen in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's export destinations for plugs and sockets in volume terms were widely distributed. Hungary and China each accounted for 10.7% of exports, and Romania represented 7.8%, but together these three countries made up only 29.2% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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 plugs and sockets declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 4 409 million US dollars, a 0.8% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 4.7%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 1.5%. The peak export value was recorded in 2018 at 4 758 million US dollars. The most significant drop of 6.5% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 13.0% was observed in 2018.

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

An analysis of Germany's export value of plugs and sockets from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. China accounted for 12.9% of exports, Hungary for 8.5%, and the United States for 7.3%, but together these three countries represented only 28.6% of total flows, with the remaining 71.4% spread among other partners.

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

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

Imports plugs and sockets to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's import volume of plugs and sockets decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 50 302 tonnes, down 0.8% from 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 53 591 tonnes. The most substantial decline of 5.4% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 4.9% was seen in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's sources of plugs and sockets imports in volume terms were highly diversified. China accounted for 22.8% of imports, Switzerland for 12.0%, and Czechia for 10.3%, but together these three countries made up only 45.1% of total flows, with no single supplier standing out as clearly dominant.

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 import value of plugs and sockets fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 418 million US dollars, a 2.9% decrease from the previous year. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 2 711 million US dollars. The most significant drop of 8.2% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 10.3% was observed in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Switzerland, and the United States were among the largest suppliers of plugs and sockets to Germany in value terms, accounting for 19.1%, 9.0%, and 8.6% of imports, respectively. However, even combined, they represented just 36.7% of total imports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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