As of 2023, the number of self-employed individuals in Germany's rubber, plastics, and other non-metallic mineral products manufacturing sector stands at approximately 19,000. The forecast for the years 2024 to 2028 indicates a mostly stable trend, with a slight decrease to 18,000 in 2028.
- Year-on-year change from 2023 to 2028 remains stable at 0% until 2027, then drops by 5.3% in 2028.
- The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the five-year forecast period is approximately -1.06%.
Future trends to watch include the impact of technological advancements and automation, which may reduce the need for self-employed individuals. Additionally, shifts in raw material availability and environmental regulations could influence the sector's dynamics and opportunities for entrepreneurship.