Toughened safety glass market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for toughened safety glass in Germany was valued at $667.3 million in 2018, supported by robust demand from the construction and automotive sectors. However, it contracted to $503.1 million in 2020. This decline was initially driven by the introduction of new quality and testing standards for heat-soak tested safety glass in March 2019, which required producers to adapt their manufacturing processes. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and production delays, further reducing market volume.

From 2021 onward, the industry recovered as technological advancements and investments in automated manufacturing improved production capacities. EU safety glass production surged by 21% in 2022, fueled by stricter vehicle safety regulations and strong demand from construction and automotive sectors. A 14% rise in EU automobile production in the first three quarters of 2023 further boosted demand for toughened glass. New market segments emerged, such as fire-resistant glass introduced by players like Asahi India Glass Limited, diversifying product offerings.

By 2024, safety glass production in the EU reached a record high, growing 4.3% year-on-year, with German manufacturers like Flachglas-Gruppe focusing on energy-efficient and innovative glass products. Continued adherence to standards like BS EN 12150-1:2015+A1:2019 ensured product safety and supported market stability.

Production toughened safety glass in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of toughened safety glass reached 418.9 million US dollars in 2020, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 0.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 415.4 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 468.6 million US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 11.4%.

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

Exports toughened safety glass from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of toughened safety glass rebounded in 2020 after a two-year decline, reaching 172.8 thousand tonnes and showing a notable year-over-year increase of 13.5%. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 4.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 152.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 10.6% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of toughened safety glass in volume terms were not highly concentrated. The top three destinations—the United Kingdom with 14.1% of exports, the Netherlands with 11.2%, and France with 8.7%—collectively accounted for only 34.0% 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

In 2020, Germany exported toughened safety glass valued at 422.9 million US dollars, representing a modest 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 405.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 442.9 million US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export market for toughened safety glass in value terms was diverse. The top three partners—the United Kingdom with 14.9% of exports, Switzerland with 12.3%, and France with 9.8%—together made up only 37.0% of total flows, leaving a significant 63.0% distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports toughened safety glass to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of toughened safety glass in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, totaling 198.9 thousand tonnes and down by 4.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 6.9%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, China, Poland, and Hungary consistently served as the main sources for Germany's imports of toughened safety glass in volume terms. China accounted for 35.2% of imports, Poland for 14.8%, and Hungary for 11.4%, together representing 61.4% of total import 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 toughened safety glass in value terms fell for the third year in a row in 2020, totaling 507.1 million US dollars and showing a moderate 6.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 23.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany imported toughened safety glass from a wide range of countries. Even the largest sources—China, Hungary, and Poland—collectively accounted for only 47.4% 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