Scissors, tailors’ shears and blades market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of scissors and tailors' shears in Germany fluctuated, starting at 53 561 thousand USD in 2018 and dropping to 50 664 thousand USD in 2019. The market size followed a similar pattern, declining from 43 656 thousand USD to 41 520 thousand USD. In 2020, production edged up to 51 236 thousand USD while the market stabilized at 41 561 thousand USD. A significant turnaround occurred in 2021, with production surging to 55 584 thousand USD and the market size expanding to 51 060 thousand USD. This growth was driven by the rising European market for surgical scissors, fueled by improved healthcare infrastructure and increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, which positively impacted the German sector.

Trade flows for scissors and shears showed volatility over the period. Imports peaked at 63 745 thousand USD in 2021 before receding to 49 370 thousand USD by 2024. Exports also reached a high of 68 269 thousand USD in 2021, then gradually declined to 58 166 thousand USD in 2024. During these years, the market saw rising demand for pruning shears due to urbanization and recreational gardening, along with a shift toward electric and ergonomic garden shears supported by technological advances. Online sales channels for pruning shears grew by 20% in 2023, enhancing market reach.

The annual MesserGabelScherenMarkt in Solingen served as a key industry platform, where major manufacturers like Felix 1790 Solingen presented new products and innovations. This event, along with the increasing introduction of electric and motorized garden shears, underscored a broader trend toward automation and efficiency in the tools segment.

Production scissors, tailors’ shears and blades in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the production value of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades reached 51,236 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 1.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 3.3%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2019 at 50,664 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 53,561 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop in production was observed in 2019, falling by 5.4%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018, rising by 1.1%.

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

Exports scissors, tailors’ shears and blades from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1,777 tonnes, showing a steady increase of 8.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 29.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany supplied scissors, tailors' shears, and blades to a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—Austria (12.1% of exports in kind), Poland (11.7%), and the United Kingdom (8.6%)—collectively accounted for 32.4% of total exports in kind. The remaining 67.6% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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, the export value of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades from Germany amounted to 60,869 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 56,992 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year, dropping by 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export portfolio for scissors, tailors' shears, and blades in value terms was quite diverse. The leading partners—Austria (9.0% of exports in value terms), France (8.5%), and Switzerland (8.4%)—together represented only 25.9% 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 scissors, tailors’ shears and blades to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's import volume of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades stood at 3,418 tonnes, indicating a 3.6% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The largest increase in imports was recorded in 2019, rising by 1.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, China remained the dominant source for Germany's imports of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades in kind, holding an 81.6% share of total import flows. Other markets contributed to the remaining portion.

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

In 2020, the import value of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades into Germany reached 51,194 thousand US dollars, showing a modest increase of 7.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 6.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 47,849 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year, falling by 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Germany's imports of scissors, tailors' shears, and blades in value terms were China (49.1% of imports in value terms), Japan (10.2%), and Pakistan (9.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 68.7% 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