European materials handling production falls 6.8pc by value

European materials handling production value decreased by 6.8 per cent at just under €56bn in 2013, according to figures from FEM, the European Materials Handling Federation.

It said the fall was due to the combined effect of a low domestic demand and stagnating exports.

While production of equipment lost five per cent, repair and maintenance lost 13 per cent. With an overall total of nearly €56bn, the production value is back at its 2005 level. Domestic demand recorded a substantial decline of -12 per cent at €29bn, only three quarters of its 2005 level.

Exports from Europe stagnated at €22.9bn. FEM said European manufacturers are getting closer to doing the majority of their business outside Europe.

Imports grew by 6.5 per cent at €4.9bn. External competitors are thus gaining a little more market share though the trade balance is stable and still largely positive (+€18bn).

Olivier Janin, FEM secretary general said: “The share of exports in our production value means that our manufacturers compete more and more on external markets. Their competitiveness is therefore crucial and a big part of it comes from their ability to innovate. European policies ought not to limit but to foster such an ability so as to safeguard industrial manufacturing in Europe.”

Source: logisticsmanager.com
Portal: logistik-express.com