Spectacle frames and mountings market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for spectacle frames in Germany expanded from 13.97 million units in 2018 to 15.74 million in 2019, supported by consumer interest in transparent and minimalist designs with retro elements. However, volume contracted sharply to 8.68 million units in 2020.

Recovery followed, with the market reaching 14.57 million units in 2021 and climbing to 17.19 million in 2022. This growth was aided by the rise of online sales, which accounted for 1.32 million units sold online in 2022, and the introduction of serial production using 3D printing, enabling more efficient and personalized manufacturing. Market concentration also increased, with the ten largest optical chains holding a 54% revenue share.

By 2024, market volume settled at 15.37 million units. Regulatory developments, including the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) requiring product verification by May 2024 and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act effective January 2024, shaped the landscape. Concurrently, trends toward sustainable materials and digital customization, exemplified by the launch of ZEISS VISUFIT 1000, continued to influence consumer demand, while leading players like Fielmann AG strengthened their positions through international expansion.

Production spectacle frames and mountings in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's spectacle frames and mountings production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 40 222 K $ US, marking a 39.0% decrease compared to 2019. Production fell by 42.7% between 2017 and 2020, translating to an annualized decline of 17.0%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 72 738 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 3.5% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2020, Germany produced 423.6 K units of spectacle frames and mountings, a 43.3% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 46.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -18.8%. The largest increase was a modest 0.1% in 2019.

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

Exports spectacle frames and mountings from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

After two years of growth, Germany's exports of spectacle frames and mountings declined. In 2020, exports stood at 12 129 K units, down 2.5% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 17.7%, with a CAGR of 5.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 443 K units, while the largest annual increase of 15.8% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Czechia (22.0% of exports in kind), Slovakia (21.0%), and Austria (9.2%) were the primary markets for Germany's exports in kind, collectively accounting for 52.3% of total 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 exports of spectacle frames and mountings declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 148.8 M $ US, a sharp 23.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 17.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.1%. The peak value was in 2018 at 198.0 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 10.2% also in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria (13.0% of exports in value terms), Switzerland (11.3%), and France (9.2%) were the largest buyers of spectacle frames and mountings from Germany, together representing 33.5% of total exports in value terms, amid a diverse range of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports spectacle frames and mountings to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

After two years of growth, Germany's imports of spectacle frames and mountings declined. In 2020, import volume reached 20 383 K units, down 25.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 18.6%, with an annualized decline of 6.6%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 27 436 K units, and the largest annual increase of 9.1% also occurred in 2019.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China (68.9% of imports in kind), Italy (9.1%), and Hong Kong (7.5%) were the top contributors to Germany's imports in kind, jointly accounting for 85.6% of total 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

Following two years of increase, Germany's imports of spectacle frames and mountings declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 278.6 M $ US, a 20.0% drop from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.5%, with a CAGR of -5.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 348.3 M $ US, while the largest annual increase of 3.6% was in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China (51.5% of imports in value terms), Italy (23.6%), and Japan (6.9%) formed the core group of markets for Germany's imports in value terms, together representing 82.0% of total flows.

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

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