Rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the German market for rigid PE pipes reached 162.6 thousand tonnes, bolstered by growing demand for higher-quality polyethylene and polypropylene pipes in drinking water, gas supply, and industrial applications. After a dip to 151.5 thousand tonnes in 2019, the market recovered to 175.8 thousand tonnes in 2020 as PE and PP pipes continued to gain ground over PVC in various sectors.

Market growth accelerated sharply from 2021 to 2022, with volume climbing to 225.7 thousand tonnes. This surge was primarily fueled by the sustained replacement of metal pipes with plastic alternatives, especially in building renovations, and by increased investments in water management, irrigation, and renewable energy infrastructure driven by climate change. The expansion of wind farms, heat pumps, and district heating systems further boosted demand for polyethylene pipes used in cable protection.

By 2024, the market volume had contracted to 198.9 thousand tonnes. Rising raw material prices and supply chain disruptions weighed on production and market size. Despite this, large infrastructure projects in Germany and Europe continued to adopt cross-linked polyethylene pipes, while industry innovations, including the first production of pipes from chemically recycled PEX material, signaled a shift towards greater sustainability.

Production rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene reached 556.9 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 6.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 524.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 587.8 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 10.7%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2018 with a rise of 10.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 211.8 thousand tonnes of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene, showing a gradual increase of 7.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production volume rose by 11.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The most notable decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 1.6%.

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

Exports rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses of PE from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 93 567 tonnes, marking a 0.8% rise compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 85 245 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 7.9%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 with an 8.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in volume terms were distributed across a broad range of partner countries. The Netherlands accounted for 22.8% of exports, France for 9.3%, and Austria for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 40.5% 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

Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 324.6 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate reduction of 3.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 339.0 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. The Netherlands accounted for 18.4% of export value, Austria for 10.3%, and France for 8.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 37.0% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 63.0%.

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 of PE to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene amounted to 57 525 tonnes, showing a robust gain of 22.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a decrease of 0.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy accounted for 24.5% of import volume, Switzerland for 20.9%, and Czechia for 12.4%. These three countries formed the core of imports, together representing 57.7% 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

In 2020, Germany's import value for rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polyethylene reached 202.9 million US dollars, up by 4.3% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13.1%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 205.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a rise of 14.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland accounted for 25.6% of import value, Italy for 15.6%, and Poland for 12.6%. These three countries played the leading roles in imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses to Germany, jointly representing 53.7% of total flows.

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

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