Stainless steel wire market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German stainless steel wire market showed considerable movement between 2018 and 2024. In physical terms, market volume grew from 65 235 t in 2018 to a high of 83 379 t in 2021, an increase of more than a quarter, while the market value expanded from $274.8 million to $452.7 million by 2022. This period of growth was characterized by rising domestic production and import volumes.

After the 2021 peak, the market began to contract. By 2024, the physical volume had fallen to 59 638 t and the market value declined to $259.3 million, bringing the market size closer to its 2018 level. Production and import figures for 2024 also retreated from their earlier highs.

Industry reports from 2024 noted factors such as rising construction and infrastructure activity in Europe and the modernization of wire drawing lines by a European manufacturer, which typically support demand for stainless steel wire. However, the market data for that year recorded a contraction in both volume and value.

Production stainless steel wire in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's stainless steel wire production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 186.7 million US dollars, marking a moderate decline of 5.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 14.8%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 210.7 million US dollars.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of growth, stainless steel wire production in Germany declined. In 2020, Germany produced 39,746 tonnes of stainless steel wire, representing a slight year-on-year decline of 1.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 40,486 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.5%.

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

Exports stainless steel wire from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's stainless steel wire export volumes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 22,065 tonnes, marking a 2.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's stainless steel wire exports in kind were relatively evenly distributed among partners. Switzerland accounted for 11.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 7.8%, and Poland for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 26.7% 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

Germany's stainless steel wire export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 147.7 million US dollars, representing a 9.1% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 177.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Germany's stainless steel wire exports in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 12.9% of export value, the United States for 7.7%, and France for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 27.8% of total export value, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports stainless steel wire to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's stainless steel wire import volumes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 22,065 tonnes of stainless steel wire, representing a 3.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's stainless steel wire imports in kind came from a wide range of partners. India accounted for 16.4% of imports, South Korea for 15.9%, and France for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 42.3% of total import flows, while the remaining 57.7% came from numerous other countries.

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 stainless steel wire import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 197.9 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decline of 6.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 241.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's stainless steel wire imports in value terms showed a diversified partner structure. South Korea accounted for 17.9% of import value, Sweden for 13.0%, and India for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 41.3% of total import flows, while the remaining 58.7% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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