Terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cotton terry toilet and kitchen linen in Germany fluctuated between 2018 and 2024. After declining from 29 761 metric tons in 2018 to 27 653 metric tons in 2020, it recovered to 29 741 metric tons in 2022, dropped again to 27 133 metric tons in 2023, and reached 30 493 metric tons in 2024. Domestic production consistently fell from 1 037 metric tons to 793 metric tons over the period, while imports and exports both expanded, reflecting increased integration into global trade.

The market growth in 2022, when volume rose by 3% to 29 741 metric tons, coincided with stronger consumer demand for sustainable products such as organic cotton and bamboo towels, as well as heightened focus on hygiene and wellness. Ongoing global health concerns continued to boost demand for hygienic textiles, supporting higher consumption despite rising raw material costs.

In value terms, the market showed sharper swings, peaking at USD 265.5 million in 2022, a 13% increase from 2021. This rise reflected not only higher volume but also a trend toward fashionable and premium towels, alongside increased production costs due to raw material price volatility. By 2024, the market value settled at USD 223.0 million, below the 2022 peak but above the 2020 low.

Production cotton terry toilet and kitchen linen in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen increased after two consecutive years of decline. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 25 661 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 4.4% recorded that year. By 2020, production had risen to 26 753 thousand US dollars, marking a moderate increase of 4.3% compared to the previous year.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Germany produced 1 029 tonnes of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.8% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 6.7%, while 2019 saw a minor increase of 0.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.5%.

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

Exports cotton terry toilet and kitchen linen from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's exports of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen declined. In 2019, export volume peaked at 9 095 tonnes, with the largest increase of 22.1% recorded in 2018. By 2020, exports had dropped to 8 441 tonnes, representing a gradual decrease of 7.2% compared to the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 18.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Poland, and France were among the largest buyers of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen from Germany, accounting for 17.2%, 13.7%, and 13.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented just 44.0% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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 terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest value at 104.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 25.5% recorded that year. In 2019, exports fell by 8.4%, and by 2020, they had decreased to 94.5 million US dollars, down 1.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 13.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. Austria, Switzerland, and Poland accounted for 18.3%, 13.2%, and 11.6% of exports in value terms, respectively. Together, they represented just 43.1% of total flows, with no single partner standing out as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports cotton terry toilet and kitchen linen to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 35 065 tonnes, representing a gradual decrease of 4.6% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Pakistan, and India were the main sources for Germany's imports in kind, accounting for 31.8%, 22.8%, and 14.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 68.6% 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

Germany's imports of terry or similar terry fabric cotton toilet and kitchen linen declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 311.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 0.7% recorded that year. In 2019, imports fell by 7.3%, and by 2020, they had decreased to 283.0 million US dollars, down 2.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Pakistan, and India remained the key partners for Germany's imports in value terms, accounting for 35.3%, 17.0%, and 10.5% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 62.8% 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