Safety headgear market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The safety headgear market in Germany expanded from 12.0 million units in 2018 to 16.7 million units by 2022. This growth was initially driven by a change in subsidy rules from the BG BAU, which from July 2018 only promoted helmets with neck UV protection, directing demand toward compliant products. The upward trend was further reinforced by the global push for stricter industrial safety standards, particularly in construction and manufacturing, which elevated market valuation worldwide to $4.2 billion in 2022.

After reaching its peak, the market volume contracted to 13.1 million units in 2024. This decline coincided with two key developments: the introduction of the new EU General Product Safety Regulation in December 2024, which imposed additional compliance obligations on manufacturers and importers, and a phase of market consolidation coupled with high energy and raw material costs that pressured industry participants.

Production safety headgear in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of safety headgear reached 113.2 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 20.7% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 6.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 93.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 113.5 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 17.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany produced 7,011 thousand units of safety headgear in 2020, showing a moderate year-over-year increase of 6.3%. The lowest production volume was in 2019 at 6,593 thousand units, and the largest decline was also recorded that year, with a decrease of 5.9%.

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

Exports safety headgear from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

In 2020, Germany's cross-border shipments of safety headgear totaled 7,273 thousand units, representing a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 6,508 thousand units, while the highest was in 2019 at 7,318 thousand units. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 12.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind remained fragmented. Poland accounted for 12.6% of exports, Austria for 10.4%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%, with these three countries together making up just 32.1% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share during this period.

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 safety headgear increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value reached 251.8 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 8.1% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 16.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 5.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms was scattered. Austria contributed 13.0% of exports, Switzerland 9.3%, and France 8.5%, with these three partners together accounting for only 30.8% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports safety headgear to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

In 2020, Germany's imports of safety headgear amounted to 13,319 thousand units, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 26.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 13,321 thousand units, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 15.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

From 2017 to 2020, China was the main source for Germany's imports of safety headgear in kind, accounting for 60.9% of imports. Poland followed with 10.2%, and France with 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented 76.7% 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 safety headgear increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 331.3 million US dollars, showing a small year-over-year rise of 2.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, China was the leading source for Germany's imports of safety headgear in value terms, making up 41.4% of imports. Italy contributed 11.9%, and France 7.7%, with these three countries together accounting for 60.9% 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