Wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings and cable-drums market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings into Germany fluctuated, peaking in 2019, while exports remained relatively stable. The market was influenced by growing consumer preference for sustainable and biodegradable packaging, which supported demand for wood as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. However, competition from cheaper and more readily available materials like plastic and cardboard exerted pressure on the sector.

From 2021 to 2024, production volume stabilized at around 574 thousand tons, while the market size gradually declined from 651 thousand tons to 631 thousand tons. This mild downturn occurred against the backdrop of a continued sustainability trend, including heightened demand for biodegradable materials and reusable packaging. In 2024, new state regulations came into force requiring large companies to report on sustainability, further emphasizing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Despite this, competition from alternative materials and a shift in consumer preferences toward minimalist design and digitalization continued to shape market dynamics.

Production wooden packing cases and drums in Germany

According to Faostat, there is no production of wooden packing cases and drums in Germany.

Exports wooden packing cases and drums from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums reached 30.6 K t in 2020, representing a significant decline of 12.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.5%. The only increase during this period occurred in 2019, when exports rose by 0.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for these wooden products was highly diversified. France accounted for 18.4% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 16.4%, and Austria for 9.0%, together making up 43.8% of total flows. The remaining 56.2% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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 wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 56.0 M $ US, reflecting a substantial drop of 11.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7.7%, with a CAGR of -2.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 63.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 5.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, key buyers of these wooden products from Germany included the Netherlands (12.5% of exports in value terms), Switzerland (11.8%), and France (11.7%). However, their combined share reached only 36.0% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 64.0% spread across many other trading partners.

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

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

Imports wooden packing cases and drums to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Germany's imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 91.8 K t, marking a modest decrease of 9.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 4.6%, with a CAGR of -1.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 101.6 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland (36.4% of imports in kind), Czechia (25.8%), and Austria (6.5%) remained the leading sources for Germany's imports of these wooden products. Together, they accounted for 68.7% 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

After a two-year upward trend, Germany's imports of wooden cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings and cable-drums from abroad declined. In 2020, imports totaled 110.4 M $ US, showing a gradual decrease of 4.9% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 116.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 3.8%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Poland (33.8% of imports in value terms), Czechia (18.8%), and Slovakia (5.7%) continued to be the main suppliers of these wooden products to Germany. Collectively, they formed 58.3% 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