VDMA
Production peak for woodworking machines
The VDMA published the latest figures for woodworking machinery at the Ligna trade fair in Hanover. According to the figures, German manufacturers achieved a production record of 3.3 billion euros.
However, this 5% increase in production fell short of the forecast growth of 8%. The economic slowdown was particularly noticeable in the fourth quarter. In the five years from 2013 to 2018, German production rose from €2.3 billion to €3.3 billion, achieving annual growth of over 7%. "Despite the looming economic slowdown in several international markets, we expect to maintain this high level in 2019," said Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of VDMA Woodworking Machinery, at the opening press conference for Ligna, the world's leading trade fair for tools, machines and systems for woodworking and wood processing.
3 % increase in exports
Last year, the export value of German manufacturers increased by 3% compared to the previous year to EUR 2.45 billion. The growth driver for the year as a whole was Latin America with an increase of 6%, followed by Europe with an increase of 5% and North America with an increase of 3%. Exports to Asia developed negatively. Exports here fell by 2%.
Overall, the three largest markets - the USA, China and Poland - accounted for 36% of all German exports over the course of 2018. Never before have the top 3 markets dominated the export statistics so clearly. Woodworking machinery worth 364 million euros was delivered to the USA. This corresponded to an increase of 4% and a 15% share of total German exports. China, including Hong Kong, and Poland followed in second and third place in the export statistics, with increases of 10% and 40% respectively. Overall, exports to these two countries increased to EUR 333 million and EUR 181 million respectively, reaching record levels.
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