Germany Exports 66.4% of Its Total Laser Production

Between 2009-2013, European production of lasers showed sustainable growth, reaching 923.6 million euros in 2013, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28%. Similar dynamics were observed in EU exports of lasers, which illustrated 33% growth in the same period. 

EU imports experienced mixed dynamics in the last seven years. The significant drop in 2009 (46% Y-o-Y) was followed by a sharp increase in 2010-2011 until it fell again by 4% in 2012. The average annual growth rate of EU imports from 2009-2013 was 43%, in value terms.   

The output of the four major producers of lasers in EU, namely Germany, the UK France and Italy, represented more than 85% of its total output in 2013. In Germany, a country with a long tradition in producing lasers, the production levels increased by 26.3%% annually from 2009-2013. The balance of the countries showed steady growth in physical terms. Especially high were the growth levels in the UK (+64.5%) and France (+45.8%).   

In 2013, the USA (443.8 tonnes), China (304.5 tonnes) and Switzerland (103.8 tonnes) were the main suppliers of lasers into the EU and together made up 79% of total imports. And while the share of Japan and Russia increased significantly, the share of the USA illustrated negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.  

In 2013, Switzerland and China were the main destinations of EU exports with a combined share of 56.4% of total exports. However, the fastest growing importers of EU products from 2009-20013 were Turkey (+140% per year), Russia (+102%) and Brazil (+88%).   

Germany dominates in EU laser production and trade. In 2013, Germany exported 66.4% of its total output. Of this amount, 18,9% was supplied to China and 13.1% the United States. 

Source: EU: Lasers, Other Than Laser Diodes - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2020