Data from the Federal Statistics Office has revealed that the German glass industry closed out 2024 with a 3.1% decline in revenue.
Total glass industry revenue in Germany declined year-over-year by 3.1% to approximately €12.28 billion in 2023 (2022: €12.67 billion).
Both domestic and foreign revenue shrank by 3.7% and 2.2% respectively.
The hollow glass industry's result remained similar to the previous year’s level, with 0.1% revenue growth to €3.48 billion (2022: €3.47 billion). This sector includes both container glass and hollow glass.
The flat glass manufacturing segment closed out 2023 with revenue down 10.4% to €1.10 billion (2022: €1.23 billion).
Revenue in the flat glass finishing segment declined year-over-year by 4.2% to €4.64 billion (2022: €4.85 billion).
The glass fibre manufacturers recorded the largest decline in turnover. Revenue fell by 16.7% to €1.14 billion (2022: €1.37 billion).
In contrast, the special glass industry experienced moderate losses. There was a 0.7% decline in revenue, taking its total annual revenue down to €1.71 billion (2022: €1.73 billion).
Bundesverband Glasindustrie (BV Glas) President Dr Christian Quenett said the following on the result:
“The glass industry has been in an all-time low since May 2023, which has had an impact on the overall result.
“The general economic situation remains difficult, and we still see no signs of a rapid improvement for the glass industry.
“However, the ifo business climate index stabilised at a low level in May. The glass industry has obviously bottomed out. We expect a recovery in the course of 2025.”
