Due to the ongoing convergence of the IT sectors, it makes sense to follow the industry definitions. The German Association for the IT industry, BitKOM, provides the most reliable data and outlook for this industry and does not necessarily differentiate between the individual segments and does not provide absolute figures for them

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
Total Market Size	91,500,000	94,500,000	98,800,000
Total Growth	7.9%	3.2%	4.5%
IT-Services growth	1.7%	3.6%	5.2%
Software growth	7.9%	5.1%	5.2%
IT-Hardware growth	20.4%	3.6%	5.2%

Germany is the fourth largest IT market behind the USA, Japan and China. Germany accounts for approximately one quarter of the EU’s total IT market. The German market for IT-Hardware, software and IT services is expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2012. U.S. computer products are generally viewed as innovative, with superior quality and leading edge technology. Industry-specific and niche products will continue to find good sales opportunities in Germany. U.S. software products are well accepted and the United States is still widely acknowledged as a supplier of innovative and quality software products. The German public sector, along with the banking, insurance, medical and utilities sectors, offers the best opportunities. Despite the fact that the banking sector was badly affected by the financial crisis, financial institutes need to complete or initiate IT projects, due to the strategic role that IT plays in most banking operations.

Best Prospects/Services

Cloud Computing and Mobile Apps have been identified as the main market trends in 2012, followed by IT-Security, Social Media, Virtualization, Business Intelligence, IT-Outsourcing and Business Process Management.

Resources

Trade Fairs:
CeBIT, the world’s largest trade fair for ICT products and services: www.cebit.de
conhIT, Europe's largest event for Healthcare IT: www.conhit.de
it-sa, trade fair focusing on IT security: www.it-sa.de

Associations:
Association of German Information Technology Manufacturers: www.bitkom.de
Association of German Electro-technical Manufacturers: www.zvei.de

Major trade journals:
www.computerwoche.de
www.heise.de
www.informationweek.de
www.crn.de

Commercial Service Contact for Computer Hardware:
mathias.koeckeritz@trade.gov

Commercial Service Contact for Software:
doris.groot@trade.gov

Drugs and Pharmaceuticals

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013(e)
Total Market Size	38,380,000	39,480,000	40,680,000
Total Local Production	38,400,00	39,500,000	40,700,000
Total Exports	75,200	78,900	83,000
Total Imports	55,900	58,700	62,000
Imports from the U.S.	9,106	9,470	9,849

In 2010, Germany’s drug market was the fourth largest worldwide after the United States, Japan and China. The German government remains committed to its fiscal austerity program and to further spending cuts by 2014. Market consolidation continues, with Pfizer having integrated Wyeth drug activities in 2010; and Japanese Takeda’s purchase of Swiss Nycomed in 2011. Drug prices have been under pressure from de-reimbursement, fixed-level drug pricing and referencing pricing schemes. Between 2010 and 2015, the market is projected to grow annually at 4.8% (prescription drugs at 3.9%), with the fastest growth in the specialized hospital market for new and expensive pharmaceuticals. The statutory health insurance system accounts for about 80% of the market, with tight reimbursement rules, greater use of generics and downward pressure on generic prices due to the rebate system and the full VAT of 19% levied on drug sales. Opportunities also exist for local production, research and acquisition of German drug firms. (Source: BPI-German Pharmaceutical Industry Association)

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Diagnostic and therapeutic drugs for dementia; auto immune diseases; inflammation; oncology; pain management. Vaccines and cell- and bio-therapeutics; biosimilars; orphan drugs.

Opportunities

Despite sluggish market growth in recent years and increasing competition from generic drug manufacturers as a result of patent expiration, Germany remains an attractive export market to innovative U.S. drugmakers. There has been an increase in sales growth for drugs to treat acute conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis as well as for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and preventive medicine. Drugs for rare diseases, so-called Orphan Drugs, with market exclusivity for 10 years in the European Union, should also see good market potential.

Web Resources

German Government Agencies:
German Health Ministry: www.bmg.bund.de
Federal Agency for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products: www.bfarm.de
Federal Agency for Sera and Vaccines: www.pei.de
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment: www.bfr.bund.de
Federal Institute for Consumer Protection and Food Safety: www.bvl.bund.de

Trade Fairs:

CphI: www.cphi.com

Expopharm: www.expopharm.de

Biotechnica: www.biotechnica.de

MEDICA: www.medica.de

Trade Associations:
BPI (Association of the German Pharmaceutical Industry): www.bpi.de
VFA (German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies): www.vfa.de
BAH (Federal Trade Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers): www.bah-bonn.de
German Generics Manufacturers Association: www.generika.de

Commercial Service Contact:
anette.salama@trade.gov

Medical Equipment

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
Total Market Size	30,000,000	32,000,000	33,400,000
Total Local Production	30,000,000	32,000,000	33,400,000
Total Exports	19,000	20,000	21,000
Total Imports	18,800	20,000	21,100
Imports from the U.S.	5,307	5,625	5,906

Germany is Europe’s largest market for medical devices and the world’s third largest, behind the United States and Japan, accounting for 7% or EUR 21.1 billion in 2011. Although in decline, Germany’s population of Germany still accounts for around 20% of the population. Germany counts 2,000 hospitals; 2,000 medical supply stores; 1,200 rehabilitation centers; 21,500 pharmacies; and 150,000 doctors’ offices. At over 11% of GDP in 2010, healthcare expenditures continue to remain at high levels but are constrained by health reforms and cost-cutting measures with continued downward pressure on prices. Government funding of hospital projects has remained static; major areas of opportunity are seen for private hospitals and clinics, which have a 20% market share. Demand will mainly be driven by demographics and a substantial increase in the number of patients and by the need for more efficient procedures. The German medical market expects a sales growth of approximately 6% this year, with continued upwards trends predicted for next year as well. The medical technology sector continues to be strong on innovation and growth and will provide excellent potential for U.S. suppliers of innovative and price-competitive products. U.S. medical device exporters to Germany continue to hold a 27-30% import market share, depending on product. (Sources: Spectaris Trade Association; BVMED Trade Association; Eucomed; Statista)

Best Products/Services

U.S. medical device exporters will find good market potential for the following products: high quality advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment; innovative technologies and minimally invasive equipment, such as laser-optics in vascular surgery, urology, gastrology, dermatology, and neuro-surgery, new diagnostic and imaging devices, as well as specialized wound care and easy-to-use home care products. The trend is toward demand for miniaturized electro-medical equipment and nano-technology products. Preventive diagnostics and medical products, innovative orthopedic and physiotherapy devices, and biomaterial, cardiovascular and endoscopy products will also find good markets in Germany. Natural orifice surgery, novel imaging technologies, e-health and e-care, mobile medical products are also in demand in Germany. Keywords are: computerization-electronic diagnosis; therapy planning and survey; molecularization-biotechnology, cell and tissue engineering, personalized medicine; miniaturization-microsystems technologies, nanotechnology and optical technologies.

Opportunities

The “Medical Technology Action Plan” pools the Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s varied funding activities and programs under three main topics: Medical technology in rehabilitation and care (intelligent implants); Molecular imaging; Medical technology for regenerative medicine. Incentives are provided as R&D project grants/cash incentives with a maximum 50% of eligible project costs. The European Union is subsidizing transnational R&D through its 7th Research Framework Program. A budget of 6.1 billion Euros for the period 2007 to 2013 has been earmarked for health research.

Web Resources

German Government Agencies:
German Health Ministry: www.bmg.bund.de/
Federal Agency for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products: www.bfarm.de/EN/Home/home_node.html

Federal Bureau for Physical-Technical Equipment: www.ptb.de
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment: www.bfr.bund.de
Federal Institute for Consumer Protection and Food Safety: www.bvl.bund.de

German Medical Devices Law: www.dimdi.de/static/en/mpg/recht/index.htm

Trade Fairs:
MEDICA: www.medica.de and http://export.gov/industry/health/eg_main_032846.asp

Trade Associations:
Federal Association of the Medical Devices Industry: www.bvmed.de
Federal Association of the Electro-Medical Industry: www.zvei.de/medtech
German Medical, Optical and Mechatronic Technologies Industry Association (SPECTARIS): www.spectaris.de
German Hospital Association: www.dkgev.de
Medical Dealers Association: www.zmt.de

Commercial Service Contact:
anette.salama@trade.gov

Industrial Chemicals

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013(e)
Total Market Size	127,360,000	130,100,000	132,500,000
Total Local Production	194,040,000	200,350,000	204,500,000
Total Exports	211,260,000	216,800,000	221,400,000
Total Imports	144,580,000	146,550,000	149,400,000
Imports from the U.S.	16,100,000	16,300,000	16,500,000

In 2009, the financial crisis impacted the German chemical market. It improved quickly throughout 2010, reaching full recovery by the end of 2011. In 2011, local chemical production increased by 5% over 2010, German chemical exports grew by approximately 6% to USD 211 billion, pharmaceutical ingredients were particularly high in demand. Insiders anticipate a moderate growth rate for chemical imports from abroad, including imports from the United States, over the next two years. With regard to annual sales in the overall German chemical market, insiders forecast a new sales record for 2011. For the first time in history, German chemical sales are expected to exceed EUR 180 billion or USD 243 billion. Nevertheless, the difficult financial situation in some EU member states led to more cautious purchasing patterns during the second half of 2011; German firms used up their chemical stocks and ordered less. If the German economy continues its upward trend, good growth in the German chemicals market over the next few years can be expected. Growth rates of approximately 5% annually are possible. (Source: German Chemical Association (VCI))

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Germany offers good business opportunities across all chemical sub-sectors to U.S. companies manufacturing innovative chemicals. “Green” products are of particular interest: Chemicals based on natural ingredients, i.e., plastics based on PLA, corn, soy beans, algae etc., or substances processed with natural substances such as detergents produced by enzymes. Also in demand are renewable chemicals; innovative coatings and adhesives; photovoltaic chemicals, i.e., additives for plastics that enhance electrical conductivity; high performance solvents; reactive substances for UV sensitive materials, i.e., photo initiators; fuel cell chemicals; innovative APIs or other substances new to the world chemical market. U.S. companies can often supply several EU markets by signing up with one single German distributor.

Opportunities

Trade fairs in Germany generally offer good business opportunities. The following shows focus on chemical products:

Analytica: www.analytica.de/link/en/18285323

CphI: www.cphi.com

European Coatings Show: www.european-coatings-show.de/

Fakuma: www.fakuma-messe.de/en/fakuma

K’ Show: www.k-online.de/

Web Resources

Chemical Industry Association: www.vci.de/

Dechema: www.dechema.de/en/The+DECHEMA.html

Management Consulting Services

Overview

USD 1,000

2011

2012(e)

2013(e)

Total Market Size

27,800,000

29,700,000

31,000,000

Germany is the largest consulting market in Europe, followed by the UK. In 2011, around 91,000 management consultants worked in about 14,100 consulting firms. The segment experienced a booming year in 2011 with revenues increasing by 9.5 percent. Demand was especially strong in the automotive (up 19 percent) and consumer goods (up 14.3 percent) industries. The two largest consulting fields are strategic and organizational/process consulting. Consulting firms throughout Germany tend to be located in various regional centers, rather than in one city serving as a national center.

Best Products/Services

A continued growth of 7 percent is expected in 2012. More than half of the demand for consulting services comes from clients in both the manufacturing and financial services industries. A demand increase is expected in the consumer goods, machinery and automotive sectors in 2012. Changing business models will be a priority for projects with financial service providers and utility companies. Projects related to growth, innovation, business development, marketing and sales are expected to grow. Clients demand assurance for concrete added value of consulting projects.

Resources

Association;
Bundesverband Deutscher Unternehmensberater BDU e.V.
(Federal Association of German Management Consultants)
www.bdu.de

Commercial Service Contact:
Mathias.Koeckeritz@trade.gov

Automotive Parts and Services

Manufacturing of Parts and Accessories (USD 1,000)	2010	2011 (e)	2012 (e)
Revenue	83,111	93,304	90,000
Domestic Sales	54,572	59,632	59,000
Foreign Sales	28,539	33,672	33,000

Note: As the German automotive industry is greatly benefiting from globalized markets and as German manufacturers as well as OEMs have production facilities worldwide, it makes more sense to define markets and segments of interest for U.S. exports on a global rather than a German scheme. As most purchasing decisions are still made in Germany, data depicting the strength of the German industry as a whole appears to make more sense.

Overview

For Germany, the automotive industry is still the most important manufacturing industry sector, accounting for roughly 20% of Germany’s total industrial sales and to a little over 719,000 employees. In 2011, sales reached about EUR 474 billion (+10.7%). The automotive parts and accessories sector accounted for EUR 93.3 billion (+12.3%). The German automotive industry has recovered quickly from the recent economic crisis due to its strong commitment to innovation and continuous investments in R&D. Many of the industry’s technological advances take place on the supplier side. In 2010, investments in R&D were around EUR 27 billion, which accounts for more than one third of total R&D-spending in Germany.

The automotive industry is expecting future growth especially in foreign markets in North and South America as well as Asia (China and India). German OEMs produced a total of roughly 12.7 million vehicles in 2010 (11.6 million passenger cars), whereas 5.9 million were produced in Germany (5.5 million passenger cars).

Best Products/Services

E-mobility; (integrated) mobility services and concepts; emission control/reduction technologies; climate control systems; engine electronics; automotive semiconductors, LED lighting; Software, IT, and communication technology (smart driving assistance and entertainment); alternative drives (electric/hybrid/fuel cell technology etc.) as well as components; Clean Diesel technologies; light weight materials such as carbon fiber parts, e.g. (CFRP) etc.; “downsizing” technologies; technologies to enhance the range extension of EVs.

Resources

Trade Fairs:
Automechanika (Frankfurt): http://www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/de/besucher/willkommen/erleben.html

Zulieferer Innovativ (Saturn Arena/Ingolstadt): http://bayern-innovativ.de/zulieferer2012

And five fairs in one (in Stuttgart);

European automotive components, Engine Expo, Automotive interiors, automotive testing, vehicle dynamics:

www.ukipme.com/automotive

Trade Associations:
VDA (German Automobile Association): www.vda.de
ZKF (Central Association for Car and Body Technology): www.zkf.de
Central Association for German Motor Trades and Repair: www.kfzgewerbe.de

Commercial Service Contact:
felix.happe@trade.gov

Telecommunications Equipment

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
Total Market Size	88,695,000	89,000,000	89,000,000
Total Local Production	20,100	19,000	n/a
Total Exports	11,500	10,000	n/a
Total Imports	12,300	11,000	n/a
Imports from the U.S.	2,100	2,000	n/a

ICT companies’ outlook in general is optimistic. Fixed line data and voice services and demand for mobile voice services show moderate growth, mobile data services has been declining for some time, Broadband will remain the key application with more than 7 million connections and a penetration rate of 8 percent. DSL will continue to represent the overwhelming majority of broadband connections, with Deutsche Telekom (DTAG) providing more than 83% of all broadband connections. Demand for mobile phones is beginning to decline due to market saturation. Equipment suppliers hope that they can benefit from planned government investment (EUR 130 million) in infrastructure and especially schools. (Source: RegTP, EITO, Bitkom)

Best Products/Services

Broadband equipment and services, W-Lan equipment and services

Opportunities

Broadband technologies (DSL and TV cable) will offer considerable opportunities for suppliers of technology and services.

Resources

German Government Agencies:
German Regulatory Authority: www.bundesnetzagentur.de

Trade Fairs:
CeBIT, the world’s largest trade fair for ICT products and services: www.cebit.de

Trade Associations:
German Information Technology Manufacturers: www.bitkom.de
German telecommunications service providers: www.vatm.de

Commercial Service Contact:
volker.wirsdorf@trade.gov

Sporting Goods

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
Total Market Size	4,210	4,233	4,255
Total Local Production	2,793	2,808	N/A
Total Exports	1,168	1,166	N/A
Total Imports	2,586	2,590	N/A
Imports from the U.S.	898	903	N/A

The German sporting goods market is expected to grow annually by at least 0.5% over the next two years. The German sporting goods industry is characterized by mostly medium-sized enterprises with nearly 120,000 employees. The wide ranging production lines (about 10,000 items) split into four product groups with corresponding percentages of the total production: Sports & Leisure Equipment (37.9%), Sports Apparel/Sports Shoes (27.7%), Camping & Trekking Goods/Tents etc. (27.3%), Garden & Camping Furniture (7.1%). In 2010, winter sports equipment and accessories experienced annual sales increases of 20%. The same applied to the outdoor market in 2010, while fitness equipment achieved another 5% increase in sales compared to 2009, and running, Nordic walking and racket sports 3%, respectively.

Over the last decade, Germany maintained the position of the 3rd largest importer within the EU. Major competitors in the German market include China (approx. 50% import market share), Italy (approx. 9%), Poland (approx. 8%), the Netherlands and France (both approx. 4%), and the Czech Republic (approx. 3%). About 84% of all exports are purchased by EU member states. The U.S. ranks second after Switzerland among the most important non-EU buying countries, followed by Russia, Japan, Turkey and, to an increasing degree, China.

Despite economic uncertainties, the German sporting goods market is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, fueled largely by the increasing numbers of elderly consumers taking up a more active lifestyle. Germany already has the largest proportion (25 million) of the 50+ age group – the so-called “Best Agers” – within the EU, which is expected to grow more rapidly than elsewhere. Sports activities remain a mega trend in Germany, thus offering excellent opportunities for U.S. sports products manufacturers. Beside winter sports, the demand for the all-season boom segment of outdoor sports, as well as individual and team sports activities (e.g. running, golf, riding, swimming, soccer), are expected to further increase.

(Sources: German Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association; German Association of Sporting Goods Retailers; Individual Research)

Sub-sector Best Prospects

Fitness equipment for physical exercise, gymnastics, or track and field; footwear (all sports); golf equipment; inflatable balls for soccer, basketball, field hockey, handball; in-line skates; outdoor goods for hiking, climbing, trekking, and Nordic walking activities; roller blades; snowboards.

Web Resources

Trade Fairs:
FIBO 2012 (Fitness): April 19-22, 2012, Essen, www.fibo.de

EQUITANA 2012 (Equestrian Sports): June 1-3, 2012, Essen, www.equitana.com
OutDoor 2012: July 12-15, 2012, Friedrichshafen, www.outdoor-show.com
EuroBike 2012: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2012, Friedrichshafen, www.eurobike-show.com/eb-en

GOLF Europe 2012: September 16-18, 2012, Augsburg, www.golf-europe.com/en/home

ISPO 2013 (Winter Sports): February 3-6, 2013, Munich, www.ispo.com

BOOT 2013 (Boats): January 19-27, 2013, Dusseldorf, www.boot.de

Trade Associations:
German Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association: www.bsi-ev.com
German Association of Sporting Goods Retailers: www.vds-sportfachhandel.de
European Outdoor Group: www.europeanoutdoorgroup.com
Association of the German Fitness Industry: http://www.vdf-fitnessverband.de
German Golf Association: www.golf.de

Major Trade Journals:
www.saz.de
www.outdoor-magazin.com
www.golf.de/journal
www.skimagazin.de
www.wassersport-magazin.com
www.reitsport-markt.de

Commercial Service Contact:
dagmar.winkler-helmdach@trade.gov

Travel & Tourism

Overview

USD 1,000

2011

2012 (e)

2013 (e)

Expenditure by German Tourists Abroad

84,031,000

81,632,000

n/a

U.S. Expenditure by German Tourists

6,000,000

n/a

In 2012, German travel abroad is expected to grow by 2 %, according to Reisestudie 2012 conducted by Commerzbank. In a recent survey, 45 % of German respondents stated they would travel at least once for more than 5 days in 2012. Germany ranks number one in travel expenditure worldwide and third in arrivals to the United States from overseas (Canada and Mexico not included). The United States are the most popular long-haul destination for German travelers. Travel to the United States increased by 6 % in 2011 and is expected to grow by an overall 36 % from 2010 to 2016. The most popular U.S. states for German travelers are New York, California and Florida, with New York City being the most popular city. In several other states, German travelers are the top overseas visitors. German travelers are especially interested in specialized offers tailored to fit their individual preferences. There is a strong preference for all-inclusive packages and vacations. The average length of stay for German tourists in the United States is considerably longer than for other overseas visitors. Several hundred non-stop flights take off from Germany to the United States each week.

In short, German demand for travel will slightly grow in 2012. Especially domestic tourism has become a trend. However, the United States continues to be the favorite long-haul destination. The overall economic situation and uncertainty may impact German travel this year.

Best Products/Services

City packages including wellness and a unique travel experience; a focus on value for money; all-inclusive packages; nature- hiking and camping holidays; Native American inventory packaged with local attractions and service providers, which should be activity-based rather than language dependent; incentives for small groups.

Resources

Government:

Entry and visa regulations information
http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Trade Fairs:
Reisen Hamburg: http://www.hamburg-messe.de/reisen
f.re.e Munich: http://www.free-muenchen.de
ITB Berlin: http://www.itb-berlin.com
IMEX Frankfurt: http://www.imex-frankfurt.de

Travel Expo & FVW Congress, Trade fair for Tourism, Business travel und Technology in Cologne (B2B fair): http://www.fvw-kongress.de/
CMT Stuttgart, http://www.messe-stuttgart.de/cmt

Other:
http://www.usa.de German language consumer travel website on United States
http://www.vusa-germany.de Official site of the Visit USA Committee Germany e.V.

Commercial Service Contact:
Hannah.kamenetsky@trade.gov

Renewable Energies

Overview

USD 1,000	2011	2012 (e)	2013 (e)
New domestic installations, not including resulting energy generation or sales	27,800,000	22,900,000 **	23,000,000
Energy sales generated using renewable energies	11,000,000	12,900,000	13,500,000
Total Domestic Market (1+2)	38,800,000	35,800,000	36,500,000
Total exports	14,000	15,500,000(e)	15,000,000

** breakdown:

hydropower – € 70 m; biomass (heat) – € 880 m); geothermal – € 960 m.; solar thermal - € 1,050 m.; biomass (electricity) – € 2,000 m wind – € 2,950 m; photovoltaic – € 15,000 m. (Source: www.erneuerbare-energien.de/)

As prices for conventional fuels continue to increase and prices for renewable energy steadily decrease, the renewable energy sector is expected to continue growing. Electricity generation from renewable energies is substantially based on the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG), which is in accordance with European policy (Directive 2001/77/EC). The share of renewable energy sources in the total energy consumption (heat, electricity and fuels) is expected to reach at roughly 30% by 2020.

Best Products/Services

Application areas:

In 2020, renewable energy resources are expected to generate 28% of the entire energy. This figure can be broken down into 47% of the entire electricity, 25% of all heating energy, and 22 % of all fuels used for transportation purposes (ships, automobiles, trucks, and electricity for electric vehicles and trains).

Wind Energy Of all renewable energy sources, wind energy will remain the most significant. Until 2020, 20%, or 115 TWh/aelec., of the entire electric consumption in Germany is expected to be met by wind energy. A major share of the increased yield will come from on shore repowering. The highest growth rates will be realized in the off shore segment.

Bio Energy In 2020, bio energy will account for 54 TWh/aelec. or 9.1% of all electricity, 150 TWh/athermal or 13% of heating energy, and 111 TWh/a or 21% of all fuels. The major share will come from biogas, followed by solid biomass (mainly wood and plants), liquid biomass (plant oils), and sewage and landfill gas.

Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Energy Only about 6% of the entire suitable roofs (not considering free standing installations) are being used for solar energy purposes at present in Germany. In 2020, 39.5 GW/p of installed cells will generate 40 TWh/aelec.. PV will then generate around 7% of the electricity used in Germany. Solar thermal heating energy is expected to increase to an annual yield of 30TWh/a/thermal in 2020.

Hydro Power. Most hydro power plants operating in Germany were built before the 1960s and the majority is in the 5-10 MW class. Experts state that the present 20 TWh/aelec. that are presently generated can be increased (mainly by repowering existing plants) to over 31 TWh/aelec. by 2020 and then account for 5.4% of the electric power generation in Germany. In addition to repowering, major investment is also expected for environmental protection measures for hydro power plant surrounding waterways (fish steps, re-naturalization of riverbeds, and optimization of river flow).

Geothermal Energy Industrial, deep geothermal energy: At present, total installed electrical power equals to 7.3 MW generating 19 GWh and 6,300 GWhthermal per year. It is expected that this energy form will reach as much as 6000 MW installed capacity generating 38 TWhelec. and 14,400 GWhthermal by 2020. Surface geothermal energy: In 2011 over 60,000 heat pumps were installed, mostly in private residences bringing the total number of heat pumps to over 350,000 units. More than half use water-to-water or brine-to-water technology for which vertical drilling or horizontal netting is required. A little less than half use air-to-air heat pump technology, which is expected to carry the highest growth potential.

Resources

Trade Associations:

Hydro Energy: Bundesverband Deutscher Wasserkraftwerke e.V. (BDW): www.wasserkraft-deutschland.de/

Wind Energy: Bundesverband Windenergie (BWE): www.wind-energie.de

Solar Energy: Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft (BSW): www.solarwirtschaft.de

Geothermal Energy: Bundesverband Geothermie (GtV-BV): www.geothermie.de

Biogas: Fachverband Biogas: www.biogas.org

Renewable Energy: Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie (BEE): www.bee-ev.de
Agentur fuer Erneuerbare Energien: www.unendlich-viel-energie.de

Government:
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU): www.bmu.de, www.erneuerbare-energien.de
German Energy Agency (DENA): www.dena.de
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): www.irena.org

Trade Fairs:
Wind Energy: Husum Wind Energy, www.husumwind.de
Hannover Messe Energy, www.energy-hannover.de
Solar Energy: Intersolar, www.intersolar.de

Geothermal Energy: GeoTherm expo + congress, www.geotherm-offenburg.de
Biogas: Eurotier, www.eurotier.de

Bio Energy Decentral, www.bioenergy-decentral.com
IFAT, www.ifat.de
Entsorga, www.entsorga-enteco.com

Renewable Energy: Hannover Messe Energy, www.energy-hannover.de
enertec, www.enertec-leipzig.de
RenExpo, www.renexpo.de

Commercial Service Contact:
Andrea.Stahl@trade.gov

Scientific and Laboratory Instrumentation

Overview

(USD 1,000)	2011	2012 (e)	2013(e)
Total Market Size	8,000	8,400	n/a
Total Local Production	7,961	8,366	n/a
Total Exports	4,251	4,767	n/a
Total Imports	4,290	4,710	n/a
Imports from the U.S.	1,300	1,495	n/a

After a decline in 2009 due to the economic and financial crisis, the market for laboratory and scientific instruments picked up again by 7% in 2010 and has continued to grow at that pace. The German market for Laboratory and Scientific Instruments is very competitive and German companies are famous for innovation, customer-specific solutions, special niche products as well as for their flexibility and customer service. About 9% of the overall sales of the 330 German manufacturers active in that industry (many of which are SMEs) are invested into research and development. Despite the competitiveness of local suppliers, the German market is very open to imports. Main import sources in 2010 were the U.S., Japan and Switzerland. The main end users are the industry, the public sector, pharmaceutical and chemical companies, the environmental sector, chemical and medical laboratories, biotechnology and nutraceutical firms as well as entities for research and development. Hence, the market for the S&LI sector heavily depends on the development in these industry segments.

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Laboratory automation and information systems (LIMS), as well as the broad spectrum of chromatographic technologies; other trends within the S&LI industry are automation, process analysis, and miniaturization.

Laser and opto-electronic instrumentation (primarily for medical applications – applications for the automotive and semiconductor industries are presently declining). Within the laser and optoelectronics field, laser products for the solar industry will play an important role in the future.

Web Resources

Trade Fairs:
Analytica (Instrumental analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology):
www.analytica-world.com
Achema (Chemical Engineering, Environmental Protection and Biotechnology):
www.achema.de/ACHEMA-lang-en.html
Interkama (Automation technology): www.hannovermesse.de/interkama_e
Laser World of Photonics: www.world-of-photonics.net
Medica: www.medica.de
Optatec (Optical Technologies, Components, Systems and Manufacturing): www.optatec-messe.com/en/optatec

Trade Associations:
Association of German Electro technical Manufacturers (ZVEI): www.zvei.org
European Optical Society: www.europeanopticalsociety.org/
Spectaris (Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies Inc.): www.spectaris.de
VDE (Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies): www.vde.de/
AIF( Federation of Industrial Cooperative Research Associations): www.aif.de

Trade Journals:

GIT Laborfachzeitschrift: www.gitverlag.com

Labo: www.labo.de

LaborPraxis: www.laborpraxis.de

Other:

Fraunhofer Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik (IOF): www.fhg.de
Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik (ILT): www.ilt.fraunhofer.de
VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH: www.kompetenznetze.de
Chemie.de Information Service GmbH: www.chemie.de

Commercial Service Contact:
Doris.Groot@trade.gov

Agricultural Sectors

Overview

BEST PROSPECTS FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

(All figures are in metric tons, unless otherwise stated.)

Tree Nuts (HTP)

Fishery Products (FFPD)

Wine (HTP)

Pet Food (G&FD)

1. Tree Nuts

The category of tree nuts includes almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and cashew nuts. Germany does not produce significant quantities of these products, therefore, supply comes primarily from imports. A number of U.S. agricultural associations actively promote their products in Germany, including the Almond Board of California, California Pistachio Commission and the California Walnut Commission. The leading competitor for the United States in the German tree nut market is Turkey. In 2010, U.S. tree nut exports to Germany were valued at $494 million out of a total import value of $1.4 billion.


MT	2010	2011(e)	2012 (f)
Total market	216,005	217,000	215,000
Production	*	*	*
Total exports	54,882	48,000	45,000
Total imports	270,887	265,000	260,000
Imports from the U.S.	68,164	72,000	75,000
* Production of tree nuts in Germany is negligible

2. Fishery Products

Fish and fishery products enjoy growing popularity in Germany. The two most important fishery products the U.S. exports to Germany by volume are frozen fillets of Alaska pollock and hake. In 2008, U.S. total exports of fishery products to Germany were valued at $266 million, out of a total import value of $4.5 billion. China and Peru are the main U.S. competitors for Alaska pollock and hake exports, respectively.

MT	2010	2011 (e)	2012 (e)
Total market	896,095	935,000	940,000
Production	497,685	500,000	500,000
Total exports	540,889	505,000	505,000
Total imports	939,299	940,000	940,000
Imports from the U.S.	52,496	66,000	66,000

3. Wine

Germany is the world's largest importer of wine. In 2011, German wine imports were valued at more than $3 billion. Italy, France and Spain are the leading suppliers of wine to Germany with a combined import market share of 75%. U.S. wines, together with other “new-world” wines, have developed an increasingly good reputation for quality in the German market. In 2011, the value of Germany's imports of U.S. wines totaled approximately $100 million.

hl (1,000)	2010	2011(e)	2012 (f)
Total market	20,008	18,106	20,150
Production	9,227	6,906	9,300
Total exports	3,928	4,100	4,150
Total imports	14,709	15,300	15,000
Imports from the U.S.	428	470	500

4. Pet Food

Germany is one of the leading countries for pet ownership in the world. Germans are willing to pay a premium to properly feed their pets and interest in specialty health pet food products is growing rapidly. The majority of pet foods are produced domestically and the EU requires pet foods to be derived from meat that is fit for human consumption. The value of U.S. pet food exports to Germany totaled $2 million in 2010, out of a total import value of $807 million. Despite the bureaucratic obstacles, opportunities for exporting pet food products to Germany are available given the considerable size of the market.

(USD million)	2010	2011 (e)	2012 (e)
Total market	3,689	3,797	3,700
Production	3694	3892	3800
Total exports	812	940	950
Total imports	807	845	850
Imports from the U.S.	2	2	2

Market Research

To view market research reports produced by the U.S. Commercial Service please go to the following website: http://www.export.gov/mrktresearch and click on Country and Industry Market Reports.

Please note that these reports are only available to U.S. citizens and U.S. companies. Registration to the site is required, but free of charge.

http://buyusa.gov/germany/en/marketresearch.html - Comprehensive and up-to-date information about the German market and the export potential for U.S. products and services

http://buyusa.gov/europe/ - The Showcase Europe website of the U.S. Commercial Service provides trade opportunities, new business partners, market research and one-on-one assistance.

http://buyusa.gov/europeanunion/tender_search.html - Public Procurement Opportunities in Europe

Print | Last Updated: 7/17/12 10:15 AM