Portable electric lamps market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for portable electric lamps between 2018 and 2020 was shaped by the rapid adoption of energy-efficient LED technology and increasingly stringent EU regulations. The shift to longer-lasting LEDs reduced replacement demand, contributing to a drop in unit sales. Concurrently, the EU Ecodesign Directive implemented in 2019 set higher energy efficiency standards, while follow-up restrictions in 2020 limited mercury-containing fluorescent lamps, gradually narrowing the range of conventional products available.

Market volume spiked to 4.7 million units in 2021 as distributors and retailers sold off remaining inventories of non-compliant lamps ahead of the September deadline, after which only Ecodesign-approved light sources could be placed on the market. From 2022 onwards, the market entered a sustained contraction phase. The August 2023 EU ban on T8 and T5 fluorescent lamps and most halogen lamps removed significant product categories, accelerating the decline. By 2024, the high-intensity LED retrofit cycle had largely concluded, leading to market saturation and a 6.1% revenue drop for the overall lighting sector.

Despite the downturn, the portable lighting segment continued to innovate, with over 500 new models featuring smart lighting and wireless charging capabilities introduced in 2024. However, consumer spending remained cautious, with households redirecting budgets toward essential expenses, further dampening demand for portable lamps.

Production portable electric lamps in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the production value of portable electric lamps reached 23 190 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a significant 35.6% increase from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 23 928 thousand US dollars, while the minimum occurred in 2019 at 17 104 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 28.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.9%, translating to an annualized rate of 2.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany produced 228.4 thousand units of portable electric lamps in 2020, showing little change compared to 2019. The maximum production was recorded in 2018 at 437.2 thousand units, while the minimum was in 2019 at 227.3 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 48.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 3.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 46.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 18.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports portable electric lamps from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's exports of portable electric lamps in volume terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3 000 thousand units, remaining nearly flat compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 391 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 11.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 1.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of portable electric lamps in volume terms were widely dispersed across countries. Poland accounted for 25.6% of exports, France for 12.2%, and Austria for 10.7%, together making up 48.5% of total flows. The remaining 51.5% was distributed among a broad range of other destinations.

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 exported portable electric lamps worth 102.8 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 4.0% increase from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 113.7 million US dollars, while the minimum was in 2019 at 98.8 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 13.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of portable electric lamps in value terms were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Austria, Poland, and France—together represented only 37.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports portable electric lamps to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

Germany's imports of portable electric lamps in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 432 thousand units, reflecting a 9.1% contraction compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Germany's imports of portable electric lamps in volume terms, accounting for 83.4% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares.

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 portable electric lamps in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 174.9 million US dollars, showing a moderate 3.1% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China remained the primary source for Germany's imports of portable electric lamps in value terms, capturing 71.2% of total flows. The remaining share was spread across various smaller markets.

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

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