Record Sales in German Industry for Analytical, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Technology

The German industry for analytical, biotechnology, and laboratory technology is set to maintain its upward trajectory in 2022. According to SPECTARIS, the industry association, sales for the sector surpassed €11 billion for the first time, representing an impressive growth rate of 7.4%. Domestic business accounted for €5.3 billion of this figure, indicating a growth rate of 9%, while €6.4 billion was generated from foreign markets (an increase of 6%). The industry's most important export markets include China, the USA, France, Great Britain, and Italy, with the former three countries experiencing export growth, including double-digit growth for the USA, while Great Britain and Italy faced slight declines. Furthermore, the total number of employees in the industry's approximately 330 companies rose by 5%, reaching around 53,000.

SPECTARIS predicts a positive outlook for 2023 as well. The industry is expected to witness an increase of nearly 7% in sales, reaching around €12.5 billion for the current year.

“However, there are also geopolitical and financial factors that are negatively impacting the business and the competitiveness of the industry. First and foremost is the lack of skilled workers and the general cost increases, but also the impending PFAS ban, which is highly critical for all our members," emphasised Mathis Kuchejda, Chairman of Analysis, Bio and Laboratory Technology at SPECTARIS. PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and thus high-performance materials that are to be banned across the board in an unprecedented restriction process, regardless of their specific proven risk. "Companies also see the availability of materials and components as an obstacle, albeit much less pronounced than in 2022."

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