Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German market for water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes experienced notable fluctuations. The market volume started at 608.4 thousand tons in 2018, supported by stringent emission regulations and environmental standards that promoted low-VOC water-based paints. Strong demand from the automotive sector, where 85% of production lines used water-based basecoats, and sustained activity in construction provided a solid foundation. In 2019, market volume dipped to 545.6 thousand tons, but the underlying drivers remained intact, with regulatory pressure and consumer preference for sustainable products continuing to shape the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 initially reduced demand, particularly from the automotive industry, but ongoing construction activity and resilient demand for eco-friendly paints helped the market recover to 599.2 thousand tons by year-end.

The market rebounded further in 2021, reaching 607.4 thousand tons in volume and 1 303 million USD in value. This growth was primarily driven by the recovery of the automotive industry, which increased demand for water-based OEM acrylic paints. Major manufacturers continued to invest in production capacity for water-based coatings to meet both industrial needs and environmental legislation, while the construction sector maintained its reliance on acrylic paints for facades and interior applications. However, in 2022, the market volume contracted sharply to 496.0 thousand tons, a decline of over 18%, even as industry reports highlighted market stability and ongoing investments, such as PPG's multi-million euro expansion in water-based OEM paint production in Europe. This contraction suggests broader economic headwinds not captured by the specific industry factors.

Following the 2022 low, the market showed signs of stabilization and recovery in the subsequent years. By 2024, the market volume had modestly increased to 505.7 thousand tons, while the market value grew more substantially to 1 308 million USD in 2024, up from 1 206 million USD in 2023. This resilience indicates that long-term trends favoring water-based paints—such as environmental regulations and demand from key end-use sectors—continued to support the market, even as it navigated post-pandemic adjustments and economic volatility.

Production water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes reached a value of 1 826 million US dollars, marking a solid 10.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 656 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, output totaled 892.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 2.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 835.5 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 7.5%.

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

Exports water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes from Germany recovered after a two-year decline. In 2020, export volumes reached 362.9 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 3.5% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 350.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in kind were relatively evenly distributed. Poland accounted for 12.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 12.1%, and the Netherlands for 11.7%, with these three countries together representing 36.2% 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 water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes worth 788.8 million US dollars, a 4.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 751.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Germany's exports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms were not heavily concentrated. Poland accounted for 12.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.0%, and the United Kingdom for 8.7%, with these three destinations together making up 30.8% of total export 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 water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes into Germany increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 69.3 thousand tonnes, up 14.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 59.4 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Italy were the main suppliers of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes to Germany. The Netherlands accounted for 27.5% of imports in kind, Austria for 12.5%, and Italy for 12.2%, with these three countries together representing 52.2% of total imports.

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

Imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes into Germany rebounded after a two-year contraction. In 2020, imports totaled 185.3 million US dollars, an 11.7% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 165.9 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 3.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany's imports of water-based acrylic or vinyl paints and varnishes in value terms were spread across numerous markets. Austria accounted for 19.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 19.3%, and Italy for 10.2%, with these three suppliers together making up 49.1% of total import flows.

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

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