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

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for rigid PVC pipes started the period at 144.4 thousand tons in 2018, supported by demand from the construction sector where plastic pipes serve as a genuine alternative to traditional materials. However, growing competition from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) pipes, particularly in drinking water supply and industrial applications, began to exert pressure. After a decline to 131.3 thousand tons in 2019, the market recovered to 137.2 thousand tons in 2020 as the construction industry in Germany and Europe weathered the COVID-19 crisis better than other sectors, sustaining demand for PVC pipes.

In 2021, market volume fell to 132.9 thousand tons, but the value surged to $423.6 million, driven by the increased adoption of higher-value advanced PVC pipes like chlorinated PVC (CPVC) and unplasticized PVC (uPVC) in agriculture, chemical industry, and plumbing applications. By 2022, both volume and value retreated, with the market shrinking to 118.6 thousand tons and $379.5 million, aligning with broader economic adjustments.

By 2024, the market volume had contracted further to 107.5 thousand tons, while the investment landscape showed signs of renewal with Westlake Corporation's announcement to build a new plant for molecularly oriented PVC pipes in Germany. Simultaneously, the initiation of recycling programs for PVC and PE pipes highlighted the industry's response to rising sustainability regulations and consumer preferences for durable, cost-efficient piping solutions in water and wastewater infrastructure.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses made from PVC was valued at 397.4 million US dollars, marking a 5.4% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 377.1 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 432.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 12.7%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 14.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 164.2 thousand tonnes of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC, representing a 5.2% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 156.0 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 168.5 thousand tonnes. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 7.4%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume reached 39 274 tonnes, reflecting a 5.2% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 22.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three main markets for Germany's exports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC in kind were France, the Netherlands, and Austria, collectively accounting for 50.4% of total exports.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany exported 87 337 thousand US dollars worth of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC, showing a modest increase of 1.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 3.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 87 751 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 1.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, up by 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export portfolio for rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC in value terms was quite diverse. France accounted for 17.1% of exports, Austria for 13.2%, and the Netherlands for 11.8%, with these three countries together representing 42.1% of total export flows.

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 PVC to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC declined. In 2020, imports totaled 12 295 tonnes, a decrease of 2.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 558 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in that same year, rising by 4.4%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC to Germany in kind were the Netherlands, accounting for 44.6% of imports, Italy with 23.2%, and Poland with 8.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 76.6% of total imports in kind.

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

Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 27 994 thousand US dollars, a drop of 9.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.7%, with an annualized decline rate of 3.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 34 839 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 11.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, up by 12.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading sources for Germany's imports of rigid plastic tubes, pipes, and hoses of PVC in value terms were the Netherlands, representing 27.7% of imports, Italy with 17.8%, and Czechia with 17.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 62.5% 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