Germany's plastics producers organized in the association PlasticsEurope increased production volumes in 2013 following a setback of 3.5% in 2013. Sales also rose, but association president Josef Ertl said much of the gain was eaten up by higher production costs and currency effects.

Association figures show a 1.7% rise in 2013 in production to 19.8 million t. Alongside polymers directly for plastics production, the figures include coatings, adhesives and manmade fibrers.

Sales across the industry increased by 5.8% to €26.7 billion, with exports of 12.2 million t accounting for nearly €23 billion.

Trade with other countries in the EU 28 internal market accounted for 72% of the German sector's import-export activity, with Italy, France, Poland and the Benelux accounting for the major part of foreign sales. About 78% of imports also came from the EU 28, largely from the same countries.

An unquantified share of the polymer exchange reflected movement of products between subsidiaries of international companies active in more than one European market.

While German producers were pleased that their business returned to at least modest growth last year, Ertl said higher energy prices and the growing competitive advantage of US plastics producers were worrisome. The German arm of PlasticsEurope also is concerned about moves afoot in the EU to restrict sales of plastic carrier bags.