Machinery makers boost exports last year but 2005 looks unpromising

By Liz White, ERJ staff

Frankfurt am Main, Germany-While European makers of rubber and plastics machinery saw 2.6 percent growth in output in 2004, representing Euro 16 100 million in turnover, prospects for 2005 are less promising.

The current slowdown in China, coupled with a strong performance in 2004, will contribute to a modest production decline of some 2.5 percent, predicts Euromap, the European Committee of Machinery Manufacturers for the Plastics and Rubber Industries.

Euromap is seeing a strong decrease of incoming orders from customers in China” and views this with great concern,” said Euromap president Ulrich Reifenhauser. Obviously, measures taken by the Chinese government to cool the booming economy are now showing impact,” Reifenhäuser commented.

Export by Euromap members of Euro 10 900 million grew an impressive 9.6 percent over 2003 levels,” a statement from the association said. The main export markets were China, new EU-members in eastern Europe and Russia as well as oil-exporting countries in the Middle East, especially Iran, Euromap said.