Umbrellas market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German umbrella market saw its physical volume decline from 25.1 million units in 2018 to 19.8 million units in 2021. This contraction was influenced by the record sunny summer of 2018, which reduced demand for traditional rain umbrellas, and further impacted by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to supply chains for patio umbrellas in 2020. During this period, major players like Knirps diversified their product lines into sun and garden umbrellas, aligning with a consumer shift towards UV-protection products.

Market volume rebounded sharply to 25.7 million units in 2021, driven primarily by growing consumer interest in smart umbrellas featuring automatic opening mechanisms and IoT connectivity. However, this expansion was short-lived, as volume fell back to 20.7 million units in 2022, a year where continued innovation in smart umbrellas was noted but did not sustain overall market growth.

The market recovered in the following years, reaching 27.2 million units in 2024. This later growth occurred alongside technological innovations in broader sun protection, such as the development of dimmable films and smart awning motors, which influenced related product categories.

Production umbrellas in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's umbrella production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 35 877 thousand US dollars, showing a slight drop of 2.5% compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 42 564 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 6.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 13.6%. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 10.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

In 2020, Germany produced 70.9 thousand units of umbrellas, marking a small increase of 2.2% compared to 2019. Production reached its highest point in 2018 at 121.9 thousand units, while the lowest was recorded in 2019 at 69.4 thousand units, with the largest annual decline that year at 43.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 41.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 16.4%.

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

Exports umbrellas from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany exported 9 118 thousand units of umbrellas in 2020, representing an abrupt decrease of 32.7% compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2019 at 13 556 thousand units, with the largest annual increase that year at 2.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 32.2%, equating to an average annual drop of 12.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Austria, and France were the largest buyers of umbrellas from Germany in terms of quantity, though none dominated the market. Poland accounted for 24.4% of exports, Austria for 13.0%, and France for 11.0%. Together, these three countries made up 48.5% of total exports, with a diverse range of smaller partners comprising the remainder.

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 umbrella export volumes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 67.4 million US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 13.8% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 80.1 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase that year at 7.4%. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports fell by 9.6%, averaging an annual decline of 3.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's umbrella exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. France led with 14.3% of exports, followed closely by Austria at 14.2%, and Poland at 11.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 40.1% of total export value, with numerous other partners making up the balance.

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

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

Imports umbrellas to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

Germany's umbrella imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 30 305 thousand units, which is 16.0% lower than in 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 38 234 thousand units, with the largest annual increase that year at 2.0%. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.1%, averaging an annual drop of 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant source for umbrella imports into Germany, accounting for 87.2% of total imports in quantity. Other countries contributed only a small fraction, forming a less significant portion of the import structure.

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

After two years of growth, Germany's umbrella imports declined in 2020. Imports reached 201.9 million US dollars, showing a moderate reduction of 3.7% compared to the previous year. The peak was in 2019 at 209.6 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 10.2%. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 10.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's umbrella imports in value terms were heavily concentrated on China, which held an 82.1% share of total imports. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume, indicating a strong focus on this single market.

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

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