world news - 30.09.2009
Germany, 2009: Woodworking Machinery Industry Down 35-45%
"2006, 2007 and 2008 brought above-average growth, but the industry has
been on a downward trend since October of 2008. We did not expect to
face such hard conditions." commented Dr. Bernhard,
the CEO of the Association. Machinery exports have declined to about
720 million euros in the first half year (-39%). The regions of North
America(-59%) and Southeast Asia (-73%) were the most affected, as well
as Russia (-72%), the most important retail market.
Things are
better in Germany. Carpenters and joiners are receiving enough orders,
and the targeted modernization in industrial areas contributed to lower
declines. This is also reflected in the orders received since the LIGNA
fair in May. The first signs of upturn in demand in previously strong
export markets fueled the belief that the worst has already passed,
despite the fact that market conditions are still risky.
As a result of the fact that the cyclical downturn that began in
mid-2008 worsened dramatically in the first half of 2009, the
Woodworking Machinery Association changed its forecast for 2009 from a
20% to a 35% to 45% decrease.
See also:
- — IKEA to set up woodworking facility in Belarus
- — Exports of round timber in Latvia down by 36.5% this year
- — Russian Timber Price Soars in Suifenhe Checkpoint
- — Deciduous forests on the increase in Sweden
- — Germany: Lumber production looks set to only increase slightly in 2010
