Tissues and towels of paper market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for paper tissues and towels expanded steadily between 2018 and 2020, with volume rising from 481.5 thousand tons to 527.4 thousand tons. This growth coincided with the strengthened position of the Tempo brand following its acquisition by Essity in 2017, which secured continuous domestic production. By 2020, Tempo maintained its market leadership while private labels such as Aldi and Lidl gained share, supporting overall consumption.

Market volume contracted sharply in 2021 to 476.3 thousand tons before recovering to 498.4 thousand tons in 2022. During this period, environmental aspects and recycling gained importance for consumers, reflecting a broader shift in preferences within the hygiene paper sector.

By 2024, the market volume reached 510.4 thousand tons. Sustainability became a key driver, with Tempo introducing product lines featuring recycled fibers and antibacterial properties. From 2024, the EU's EmpCo directive also took effect, prohibiting misleading environmental claims and requiring clear durability labeling, which influenced product packaging and marketing approaches.

Production tissues and towels of paper in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of tissues and towels of paper has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 096 million US dollars, showing a slight rise of 0.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of tissues and towels of paper has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 621.1 thousand tonnes were produced, marking a modest uptick of 3.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

Exports tissues and towels of paper from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany exported 319.6 thousand tonnes of tissues and towels of paper in 2020, representing a small drop of 0.9% from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 313.3 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 322.5 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export portfolio for tissues and towels of paper was broad. France accounted for 12.1% of exports in kind, Austria for 11.4%, and the Netherlands for 11.4%, together making up 34.9% of total exports. Many other countries contributed smaller but significant shares.

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 tissues and towels of paper declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 628.4 million US dollars, corresponding to a moderate drop of 4.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 659.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 8.1% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export partner portfolio in value terms was quite broad. Austria represented 11.7% of exports in value terms, France 11.4%, and the Netherlands 11.1%, together accounting for 34.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports tissues and towels of paper to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's import volume of tissues and towels of paper declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 225.9 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a decrease of 0.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 1.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Poland, Italy, and France formed the core of Germany's imports in kind. Poland accounted for 41.2% of imports in kind, Italy for 17.7%, and France for 16.5%, together taking 75.4% 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 tissues and towels of paper declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 401.5 million US dollars, marking a decrease of 1.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 401.5 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 4.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 7.2%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Poland, France, and Italy led the ranking of suppliers to Germany. Poland accounted for 32.2% of imports in value terms, France for 18.8%, and Italy for 18.7%, with their combined share reaching 69.8% of total imports in value terms.

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

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