Solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes contracted from 304 thousand tons in 2018 to 181 thousand tons in 2024, a decline driven by growing regulatory and consumer focus on sustainability. Initiatives like the European Green Deal and zero-pollution policy created incentives for developing eco-friendly coatings, while consumer preferences shifted toward water-based and bio-based alternatives, reducing demand for traditional solvent-based products.

Regulatory action specifically targeted the sector, notably the European Chemicals Agency's proposal to restrict synthetic polymer microparticles in paints and varnishes, a measure later incorporated into the REACH regulation. This restriction, alongside broader EU policies promoting a circular economy, directly pressured the market for solvent-based formulations and encouraged innovation in substitute products.

Despite a temporary recovery in market volume to 246 thousand tons in 2021, the overarching downward trend continued as technological improvements enhanced the performance of alternatives. Partnerships among chemical companies accelerated the development of sustainable options like polyurethane and powder coatings, particularly for automotive and construction uses, further displacing solvent-based polymers from key applications.

Production solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 2 526 million US dollars, marking a 2.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The highest production value was recorded in 2018 at 2 868 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 2.2% also occurring that year. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production decreased by 10.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes has now declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 473.5 thousand tonnes, representing a modest year-over-year decrease of 5.1%. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 16.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.0%.

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

Exports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes have decreased for the second year running. In 2020, export volumes totaled 379.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 2.4% contraction compared to the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 399.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.3%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with exports dropping by 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes were widely distributed across multiple markets. The top three destinations—Poland (9.9% of export volume), Belgium (8.4%), and France (6.8%)—collectively accounted for just 25.1% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified export structure.

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 solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes have declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 222 million US dollars, down 2.0% from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, export value actually increased by 3.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 2 405 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 12.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms showed a broad distribution across markets. The leading destinations—Poland (8.0% of export value), Belgium (7.0%), and Austria (6.8%)—together represented only 21.8% of total export flows, highlighting the diverse nature of Germany's export markets.

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

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

Imports solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 144.8 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 3.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 6.9%, with an average annual decrease of 2.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 156.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw a modest increase of 0.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with imports dropping by 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes came from a wide range of suppliers. The top three sources—France (17.1% of import volume), Italy (16.1%), and Belgium (14.6%)—collectively contributed 47.8% of total imports, while numerous other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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 solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes have declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 681 million US dollars, representing a 3.4% decrease from the previous year. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 764 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 10.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 7.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's imports of solvent-based polymer paints and varnishes in value terms were spread across many countries. The top three suppliers—France (15.0% of import value), Switzerland (14.7%), and Belgium (14.3%)—together accounted for only 44.0% of total import flows, demonstrating a highly diversified import structure.

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

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