European light bulb production and it's exports and the impact on the job market.

 

1. Historical and Structural Context of Light Bulb Production in Europe

For more than a century, Europe has played an important role in lighting technology and manufacturing. Iconic companies such as Philips (Netherlands), Osram (Germany) and others were pioneers in incandescent bulbs and later innovations. These firms pioneered mass production techniques and helped electrify homes across the continent and beyond. The region’s industrial expertise created a robust manufacturing base, specialized supply chains, and many skilled jobs. Wikipedia

However, the lighting industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades:

• Shift from incandescent and halogen bulbs to energy-efficient technology: Traditional incandescent bulbs, once the backbone of European production, were phased out through EU regulations in favor of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) because of energy efficiency and environmental concerns. NU.nl

• Outsourcing and globalization: Many manufacturing operations, especially for more complex or low-cost items, have moved to regions with lower labor and production costs, such as Asia. This transition reflects broader global production trends over the past two decades.

These structural shifts have shaped not just what products are made—but where they’re made and who is employed in their production.

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2. European Light Bulb Production Today

Types of Products Made in Europe

Europe continues to manufacture a range of lighting products, including:

• Traditional electric lamps (including filament and specialist bulbs)

• LED lighting solutions (increasingly dominant)

• Professional/light fixture systems for commercial use

Europe’s strengths now are often in higher-value products—premium fixtures, smart lighting systems, design-oriented lighting, and integration with building automation systems. These niche areas tend to command higher prices and involve more advanced engineering skills. Europages

Production Volume Trends

Actual production figures are harder to publish centrally, but export data indicates a decline in overall volume and value of exports of electric lamps from Europe over the last decade:

• Total European exports of electric lamps dropped to around 1.5 – 1.6 billion units by 2024, down sharply from a peak of around 5.3-5.7 billion units in 2013. IndexBox

• In dollar terms, value also fell significantly—to around $2.6 – 2.8 billion in 2024. IndexBox

This downward trend reflects a shift in global production, rising competition from low-cost manufacturing in Asia, and changes in product mix (more efficient, longer-lasting LEDs replacing simple filament bulbs).

Key Exporting Countries

Europe’s largest exporters remain:

• Germany — responsible for roughly 35-40% of EU lamp exports. IndexBox

• Poland — a significant manufacturing location for various electric lamps. IndexBox

• France, Slovakia, and other Central/Eastern European states — smaller but noteworthy shares. IndexBox

The Netherlands and Italy also have important roles, particularly in specialized lighting and fixture design, though their share is smaller in raw unit terms. CSIL

Europe still exports mainly within the continent, but North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are notable overseas destinations for high-end and specialized lighting products. CSIL

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3. Exports, Global Competition, and Market Dynamics

Declining Export Volumes

European exports of light bulbs and electric lamps have decreased markedly over the past decade:

• Physical exports went from over 5 billion units a decade ago to about 1.5-1.6 billion units in 2024. IndexBox

• This drop is due to global competition, declining prices, and substitution of simpler bulbs with new technologies like LEDs, where Asia has strong production capacity.

Europe also imports a significant amount of lighting technology, with much of that coming from China and other Asia-Pacific countries, which supply low-cost LED lighting and components. CSIL

Product Mix Impact

One notable trend is that LED lamps have grown fastest in exports among lamp types in recent years, even while overall exports shrink. Filament and halogen lamps are declining. IndexBox

This suggests Europe is transitioning toward more energy-efficient output, but it also means competition is sharpening in LED manufacturing—especially from Asian producers with lower production costs.

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4. Employment and Labour Market Impacts

Direct Industry Employment

Historically, the lighting manufacturing industry directly employed tens of thousands of workers in Europe. For example, estimates suggested that around 50,000 people in the EU were engaged in producing lamps before major transitions, and the phase-out of incandescent technology risked affecting 2,000-3,000 jobs linked directly to that segment. European Commission

Additionally, when the phase-out of halogen lamps was implemented, estimates suggested several thousand jobs could be lost in that specific production segment, such as when Philips (now Signify) closed halogen manufacturing capacity in Europe. NU.nl

Indirect and Supply Chain Employment

Export-oriented industries have a multiplier effect on jobs:

• A significant share of European jobs in manufacturing and services depends on export activity. Across the EU, millions of jobs are tied to exports, and export growth tends to support higher-paid jobs. European Parliament

• Export-related employment often includes designers, engineers, logistics workers, and suppliers—not just factory labor.

However, declining light bulb exports mean fewer direct jobs in conventional lamp production, and broader shifts towards automation further reduce the number of factory workers needed.

Globalization and Competition

European producers face intense competition from Asia-based companies, especially in LED lighting, where manufacturing costs are lower and scale advantages are significant. This trend can pressure European producers to relocate production or cut costs, sometimes resulting in job losses or relocation of jobs outside Europe. De Nederlandse Grondwet

This dynamic is a classic example of globalization’s mixed impact: export opportunity and job creation in some segments, versus competitive pressure and job displacement in others. European Parliament

Skills and Job Transition

As production evolves from traditional bulbs to advanced technologies and integrated lighting solutions, skill requirements have shifted:

• Demand rises for engineers, technicians, software developers (for smart lighting systems), and design professionals.

• Routine assembly work decreases as automation and robotic manufacturing grows.

To address such transitions, EU programs focus on reskilling and upskilling workers for new technology sectors, often tied to green and digital skills. netherlands.representation.ec.europa.eu

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5. Policy, Future Trends, and Job Market Outlook

Energy and Environmental Policy Influence

EU energy efficiency mandates have accelerated the move from halogen and incandescent lamps to LEDs and efficient lighting systems. This has reduced production in legacy technologies but increased demand for advanced, energy-efficient technologies.

While old manufacturing jobs declined, new job opportunities have emerged in LED technology design, smart lighting integration, and energy-saving solutions.

Reshoring and Strategic Industries

Europe’s policymakers have become more attentive to maintaining strategic manufacturing capacity, including initiatives to ensure manufacturing does not entirely leave the continent. This includes investment incentives for high-value electronics and lighting components.

Outlook to 2030 and Beyond

Forecasts suggest modest growth in output volume for electric lamps in Europe through to 2035, but value growth remains constrained, meaning the industry must focus on specialization and innovation to sustain employment. IndexBox

In broader terms:

• Rise of smart and connected lighting systems could create higher-skill jobs.

• Exports may stabilize if Europe captures premium segments of the global market.

• Training and mobility programs can help resettle displaced factory workers into growing tech areas.

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6. Conclusion

European light bulb production has shifted from large-scale, traditional manufacturing to a more technology-oriented, energy-efficient industry. Export volumes have fallen sharply compared to a decade ago, reflecting global competition and changing product demand. These changes have had tangible effects on the job market:

• Direct manufacturing jobs have declined, particularly in traditional lighting segments. European Commission

• Exports still support jobs indirectly, through supply chains and design/service sectors. European Parliament

• Future growth lies in specialized, high-value jobs, especially in LED and smart lighting technologies, requiring continued investment in skills and innovation.

Overall, the European lighting sector’s evolution illustrates how technological change, policy, and globalization jointly shape production, trade, and employment patterns in mature industrial economies.