Rubber gaskets, washers and seals market in Germany, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the German market for rubber gaskets, washers and seals remained stable at just over 92 000 metric tons annually. This initial stability was supported by a strong construction industry and a recovering automotive sector, which drove demand, particularly for profile seals and O-rings. During this period, major manufacturers like Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and Federal-Mogul Powertrain introduced new material innovations and sealing products for aerospace and commercial vehicle engines, contributing to market activity. The market volume then contracted significantly over the next two years, falling to 77 763 metric tons by 2021.

From 2022 onward, the market rebounded sharply, reaching 93 722 metric tons that year. This recovery aligned with reported stable development in Germany's rubber and plastic goods manufacturing industry and sustained focus on automotive applications for seals. Growth continued into 2023, with volume climbing to 94 481 metric tons, fueled by infrastructure modernization projects across Europe and the adoption of advanced, CNC-controlled manufacturing processes by established domestic producers. In 2024, the market saw a slight adjustment to 91 247 metric tons. This occurred alongside notable industry trends, including the introduction of sustainable sealing materials, expansion of product lines by companies like Dana Incorporated to serve the oil and gas sector, and rising demand driven by electric vehicles and Industry 4.0. However, market conditions were also influenced by volatility in raw material prices for rubber and plastics.

Production rubber gaskets, washers and seals in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of rubber gaskets, washers, and seals has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 967 million US dollars, marking a gradual year-over-year decrease of 5.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 11.2% to reach its peak value of 1,097 million US dollars. However, the following year saw the steepest decline, with a drop of 6.4% in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's production of rubber gaskets, washers, and seals has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 66,554 tonnes, reflecting a modest 5.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 3.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 72,430 tonnes, when production increased by 5.1%.

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

Exports rubber gaskets, washers and seals from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of rubber gaskets, washers, and seals have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volume totaled 64,759 tonnes, showing a decrease of 3.7% from the previous year. The peak was reached in 2018 with 69,439 tonnes, when exports grew by 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. China accounted for 13.8% of exports, Poland for 11.2%, and Czechia for 8.7%. Together, these three countries made up just 33.7% 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 cross-border shipments of rubber gaskets, washers, and seals have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,489 million US dollars, which is 3.5% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 4.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,644 million US dollars, when exports increased by 5.2%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 6.1%.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. China held 15.4% of exports, Czechia 9.6%, and the United States 8.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 33.1% of total flows, with no single country dominating 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 rubber gaskets, washers and seals to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's import volume of rubber gaskets, washers, and seals amounted to 77,316 tonnes, representing a significant fall of 13.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.9%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The largest increase was a modest 0.3% in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Poland, Czechia, and Italy formed the core of Germany's imports in kind. Poland accounted for 20.7% of imports, Czechia for 19.9%, and Italy for 9.8%. Together, these three countries made up 50.4% of total import 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 rubber gaskets, washers, and seals have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1,272 million US dollars, indicating a moderate reduction of 9.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 11.6%, equating to an annualized decrease of 4.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1,525 million US dollars, when imports increased by 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's supplier portfolio for rubber gaskets, washers, and seals was broad. Italy contributed 18.6% of imports in value terms, Czechia 13.1%, and Poland 11.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 43.4% of total imports, while many other nations held smaller but notable shares.

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

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