Soap and skin-washing preparations market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for soap and skin-washing preparations contracted sharply between 2018 and 2020, with its total value falling from 369 million US dollars to 133 million US dollars. Domestic production also declined significantly from 1 046 million US dollars to 823 million US dollars over this three-year period.

From 2020 onwards, imports into Germany rose consistently from 688 million US dollars to 912 million US dollars in 2024, reflecting sustained domestic demand. Exports, after reaching a peak of 1 428 million US dollars in 2021, entered a downward trend, falling to 1 280 million US dollars by 2024. The growth in imports during 2022 was reinforced by two key market developments: rising environmental awareness and consumer preference for natural, chemical-free, and organic soaps, coupled with stricter hygiene regulations in the hospitality, healthcare, and food supply sectors that increased commercial demand for these products.

Production soap and skin-washing preparations in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Production of soap and skin-washing preparations in Germany has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 823 million US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 4.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.2%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 1 046 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 17.6% decrease, while the largest increase was a slight 0.1% in 2018.

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

Exports soap and skin-washing preparations from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of soap and skin-washing preparations from Germany have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 621.0 thousand tonnes, up by 4.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 13.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export partner portfolio for soap and skin-washing preparations in volume terms was quite diverse. The top three destinations—the United Kingdom (11.9% of exports), France (11.3%), and the Netherlands (8.9%)—collectively accounted for only 32.1% 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

In 2020, Germany's exports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms amounted to 1 378 million US dollars, marking a 9.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.6%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 13.4% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France (10.3% of exports in value), the United Kingdom (10.2%), and the Netherlands (8.7%) were the largest buyers of soap and skin-washing preparations from Germany, but they did not dominate the market. Together, they accounted for 29.2% of total export value, with many smaller partners making up 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 soap and skin-washing preparations to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany imported 313.5 thousand tonnes of soap and skin-washing preparations in 2020, representing a solid increase of 17.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 23.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 7.3%. The largest decline was a minor 0.7% in 2019.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Poland (26.8% of imports in volume), Israel (12.9%), and the Netherlands (11.2%) consistently held leading positions in Germany's import structure for soap and skin-washing preparations. Together, they accounted for 50.9% 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

In 2020, Germany's imports of soap and skin-washing preparations in value terms reached 688 million US dollars, indicating a substantial increase of 16.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 22.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, soap and skin-washing preparations were imported into Germany from a wide range of markets. Even the top three destinations—Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland—collectively represented only 44.5% of total import value, highlighting the diversity of suppliers.

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

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