PMMA in primary forms market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German PMMA market saw significant shifts. In 2018, stable consumption growth driven by demand from the construction and automotive industries supported production valued at $426.6 million and a market size of $497.3 million. The following year, production dropped to $323.7 million and the market size fell to $380.5 million, coinciding with Advent International's acquisition of Evonik, which reshaped market structure. By 2020, despite COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to global supply chains, production recovered to $374.4 million and the market size rose to $426.3 million, as manufacturing remained stable amid logistical challenges.

From 2021 onward, the market focused on sustainability and innovation. Demand rebounded with the recovery in the automotive and construction sectors. Major player Röhm GmbH expanded its portfolio with low-carbon PMMA variants, responding to growing interest in recycling and the circular economy. New product segments emerged, including bio-based PMMA lines from companies like Arkema, and Röhm introduced sustainable Plexiglas® grades for automotive glazing and building facades. Raw material price volatility, especially for methyl methacrylate, added cost pressure. In 2024, Röhm opened a depolymerization plant in Italy to advance PMMA recycling, reinforcing the industry's shift toward circular solutions. German PMMA consumption held steady at around 178,000 tons, accounting for about 40% of European demand, while production maintained an average annual growth of 1.1% since 2013, supported by R&D investments in eco-friendly products.

Production PMMA in primary forms in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of PMMA in primary forms reached 374.4 million US dollars in 2020, showing a significant 15.7% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 323.7 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 426.6 million US dollars. The most substantial drop in production happened in 2019, with a decline of 24.1%.

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

Exports PMMA in primary forms from Germany

According to available market data, Germany did not export any PMMA in primary forms between 2017 and 2020.

Imports PMMA in primary forms to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, imports of PMMA in primary forms into Germany rebounded in 2020. Imports totaled 14,849 tonnes, marking a 5.8% increase from 2019. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 24.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 8.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 14,035 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 17.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland were the key sources for Germany's imports of PMMA in primary forms by volume. Italy accounted for 18.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 16.1%, and Switzerland for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 50.3% of total import flows during this period.

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, K $ US

Imports of PMMA in primary forms into Germany declined for the second year in a row in 2020. The total import value was 51.911 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 8.5% reduction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 26%, with an average annual decline of 9.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 70.702 million US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 19.8% decrease, while the smallest increase was in 2018 at 0.8%.

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

The partner structure for imports of PMMA in primary forms by value was fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Italy led with 18.9% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 14.5% and Switzerland at 12.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 45.4% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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