Water-based polymer paints and varnishes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the German market for water-based polymer paints and varnishes saw fluctuating volumes, rising to 800 thousand tonnes in 2020. This increase aligned with research into bio-based binders and additives, such as enzymatically modified starch to improve the stability of aqueous dispersions, and the growing significance of water-based paints in construction and corrosion protection segments. In 2020, the integration of bio-based fillers like cellulose fibers and industry preparation for sustainability demands under the EU Green Deal further supported production and demand.

In 2021, expanded distribution agreements for bio-based specialty chemicals and polymers improved material availability, helping to stabilize the market volume at 799 thousand tonnes. However, in 2022, the market volume dropped sharply to 673 thousand tonnes. During this period, the industry maintained its focus on sustainable raw materials such as plant oils and lignin, and the niche market for bio-based paints continued its slow, steady growth. Additionally, since 2019, producers had been adjusting to a proposed European restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles in paints and varnishes, scheduled to take effect in 2023/2024.

By 2024, the market volume recovered to 733 thousand tonnes, indicating a rebound from the 2022 low. In value terms, the market peaked at 1.9 billion USD in 2021 before declining to 1.7 billion USD in 2022, mirroring the physical volume trend.

Production water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of water-based polymer paints and varnishes reached 2,724 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,587 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.4% during this timeframe.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year decline, production of water-based polymer paints and varnishes in Germany rebounded. In 2020, Germany produced 1,134 thousand tons, representing a 7.2% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,058 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest drop of 4.5%.

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

Exports water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes from Germany showed a modest recovery. In 2020, Germany exported 450.3 thousand tons, a slight increase of 1.5% from 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.2%, translating to an average annual decline of 1.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 443.9 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three destinations—Poland with 11.8% of exports, the United Kingdom with 10.4%, and the Netherlands with 10.1%—collectively accounted for only 32.2% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

The value of water-based polymer paints and varnishes exported from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,294 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 0.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,360 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.9%. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.2%.

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

The market for Germany's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad and fragmented. The top three countries—Poland with 10.8% of export value, Belgium with 9.1%, and the Netherlands with 7.4%—together represented just 27.3% of total flows. The remaining 72.7% was distributed among numerous other countries, highlighting the export market's diversity.

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 polymer paints and varnishes to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of water-based polymer paints and varnishes into Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 347 thousand tons, a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 15.1%, with an average annual decline of 5.3%.

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

The country composition of Germany's imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was highly dispersed. The top three suppliers—the Netherlands with 19.8% of imports, France with 16.9%, and the United Kingdom with 12.3%—collectively accounted for only 49.0% of total import flows. The remaining 51.0% was shared among a wide range of other countries, underscoring the import market's fragmentation.

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

The value of water-based polymer paints and varnishes imported into Germany declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 347 million US dollars, down 1.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.5%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 372 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and France played significant but not dominant roles as suppliers of water-based polymer paints and varnishes to Germany. The Netherlands accounted for 15.9% of import value, Austria for 15.7%, and France for 12.0%, with their combined share reaching only 43.6% 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