Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Government infrastructure projects, such as the renewal and expansion of water and sewage networks, supported the market volume of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses in Germany at 415.5 thousand tons in 2018. After a temporary stabilization in 2019 at 412 thousand tons, the volume grew to 445.1 thousand tons in 2020, as infrastructure investments continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused supply chain disruptions.

Growth continued in 2021, reaching 479.7 thousand tons, partly due to the introduction of molecularly oriented PVC pipes (PVCO) by Pipe Corporation, a subsidiary of Westlake Chemical Corporation, providing an innovative solution for construction projects. By 2022, the volume stabilized at 480.4 thousand tons, while the industry placed greater emphasis on sustainability and recycling, and received political support for the infrastructure transition. In subsequent years, the industry saw consolidation, for example with ISCO's acquisition of Infinity Plastics' assets, expanding the portfolio of high-density polyethylene pipes. However, by 2024, the market volume declined to 429 thousand tons, although government programs and climate initiatives continued to emphasize the importance of plastic pipes for durable infrastructure.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses reached 1 686 million US dollars in 2020, marking a moderate increase of 3.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 7.1%, when production peaked at 1 743 million US dollars. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output amounted to 574.5 thousand tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 4.2%. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 5.8%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses totaled 219.9 thousand tonnes in 2020, down by 1.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 214.1 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 222.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a decrease of 1.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in kind was broad and diverse. The Netherlands accounted for 14.7% of exports, France for 10.0%, and Austria for 8.8%, together making up just 33.4% of total flows. The remaining 66.6% was distributed among numerous 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 exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in value terms have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume stood at 817.1 million US dollars, a decrease of 6.0% year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 894.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 4.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 4.2%, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. The Netherlands contributed 11.5% of exports, Austria 8.1%, and Poland 7.9%, collectively accounting for only 27.4% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position in the market.

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

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

Imports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in kind have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 90.6 thousand tonnes, up by 8.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 19.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in kind to Germany were not concentrated on a few key markets. Italy accounted for 23.7% of imports, Switzerland for 14.7%, and Poland for 11.6%, together making up only 49.9% 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

Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 371.2 million US dollars, down by 2.9% from a year earlier. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 395.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 14.7%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 3.3%. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms remained highly diversified. Switzerland accounted for 17.1% of imports, Poland for 14.9%, and Italy for 14.9%, together comprising only 46.9% of total flows. The remaining 53.1% was made up of a long tail of 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