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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the German market for rigid PP plastic pipes expanded significantly, with volume rising from 51.3 thousand tons to 78.0 thousand tons. This growth was initially supported by a shift in preference from PVC to polypropylene and polyethylene pipes, particularly in drinking water, industrial applications, and gas supply. Furthermore, state-owned grid operator TenneT’s investment in wind energy infrastructure increased demand for plastic pipes in energy projects. These trends, alongside a broader move toward lighter, durable plastic pipes replacing metal in renovation and new construction, helped drive consumption upward during this period.

After peaking in 2021, market volume contracted to 73.5 thousand tons in 2022 and 65.9 thousand tons in 2023. Despite the downturn, the industry saw notable innovations, such as pilot projects for climate-neutral PP recyclate in wastewater systems, highlighting a growing focus on sustainability and recycling. Major manufacturers remained dominant, with no major plant closures reported, while extreme weather events boosted demand for maintenance-friendly plastic pipes in agriculture.

In 2024, the market stabilized at 66.2 thousand tons, aided by infrastructure and construction projects, especially in energy supply expansion and water network modernization. The continued adoption of PP-R and PE-X in drinking water installations and capacity expansions at established firms like Isoflanges GmbH provided additional support, underscoring the role of infrastructure investment in shaping market dynamics.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 350.2 million US dollars, representing a year-on-year growth of 6.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 10.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.3%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2018 at 311.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 2.1% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Production of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) in Germany has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany produced 108.6 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 92.7 thousand tonnes, when production fell by 5.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 10.8%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 51,721 tonnes, reflecting a moderate decrease of 4.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 7.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 56,843 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. China accounted for 9.8% of exports in volume, Switzerland for 9.4%, and Czechia for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented 26.1% 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 polypropylene (PP) have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 178.6 million US dollars, indicating a modest drop of 7.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.1%. The peak value was in 2018 at 210.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 8.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Switzerland, and Czechia were the largest buyers of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) from Germany in value terms, but they did not dominate the market. China accounted for 8.9% of export value, Switzerland for 6.8%, and Czechia for 5.7%. Together, these three countries made up 21.4% of total export value, with many smaller partners contributing to the remainder.

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 PP to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP) have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 15,102 tonnes, showing a slight drop of 1.3% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 15,435 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Austria, Italy, and Switzerland—together accounted for 70.0% of Germany's total imports in volume of rigid plastic tubes, pipes and hoses made from polypropylene (PP).

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 made from polypropylene (PP) have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 58.5 million US dollars, marking an advance of 1.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 22%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 6.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, three largest markets—Austria, Italy, and Switzerland—remained central to Germany's imports in value terms, together accounting for 66.5% of total import flows.

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

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