German glass industry reports 3.1% revenue decline in 2023

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).