Plastics production in Germany fell by 4.3 per cent in the second quarter.

According to the Association of Plastics Manufacturers, Plastics Europe Deutschland (PED), the production of plastics in primary forms fell by 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, which was 6.2 per cent below the previous year's figure. According to PED, producer prices fell by 2.4 per cent compared to the previous year and by 0.6 per cent compared to the previous month. Industry turnover fell by 2.4 per cent to around 6.3 billion euros.
 
Foreign trade in particular is under pressure, emphasises PED: exports of new plastics fell by 6.7 per cent, while imports rose to €4.6 billion. The association does not expect the situation to improve in the coming months. ‘The stagnation has not yet been overcome,’ explains Dr Christine Bunte, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Germany. ‘The structural deficits of Germany as a business location have developed over many years.’ The federal government had introduced measures to counteract the negative effects of high energy prices and the high bureaucratic burden. However, the effect of these measures will only be felt after a delay. The reforms also needed to be implemented much more consistently. ‘Plastics manufacturers in Germany will need to be patient,’ says Bunte.

 
In view of the poor quarterly figures, the industry is turning its attention to Düsseldorf in October. At K 2025, the world's most important trade fair for the plastics industry, the focus will be on the circular economy and competitiveness. ‘The innovative spirit of companies remains unbroken. Despite all the economic difficulties, we are seeing new ideas being implemented, whether in terms of changing the raw material base, reducing the carbon footprint of products or AI-supported recipe development. K 2025 will show how the industry stands in international comparison and how it can regain its momentum,’ says Bunte.

 

Sources:

• PED press release (16.9.2025)
• Photo: © PED