EUROMAP data shows growth despite markets not performing “as expected”

The output of the nine members of EUROMAP – the European Association of Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturers – amounted to 13 billion euro in 2014, a year-on-year increase of 1.9 percent.

In the same period, global exports from EUROMAP countries rose by 1.6 percent to 9.7 billion euro, despite markets identified as having major sales potential not performing "as expected."

At a press briefing held at EUROMAP’s General Assembly in Venice on 10 September, the focus was on the BRIC countries as customers for plastics and rubber machines from EUROMAP suppliers.

“The performance of those markets did not meet our, or our manufacturers’ expectations,” said EUROMAP President Luciano Anceschi.

“The shortfall mainly resulted from a slump in demand in Brazil and an even sharper drop in Russia. As for China, the plastics and rubber machinery industry’s development was uneven and needs to be closely monitored. India, on the other hand, is giving cause for optimism after a couple of years of declining exports.”

EUROMAP represents almost 1,000 manufacturing companies with a combined workforce of more than 57,000 in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey. 

Helmut Heinson, EUROMAP Vice President, commented: “Overall, global output of plastics and rubber machinery reached 32.5 billion euro in 2014 with EUROMAP accounting for 40 percent of this total.

“Despite China’s share rising sharply over the past few years, EUROMAP managed to hold its own. The same applies to exports with EUROMAP maintaining a market share of around 50 percent over the past five years.”

EUROMAP forecasts a two percent increase for the current year with output rising to 13.3 billion euro.

A full roundup of the discussions, outlooks and market forecasts from the event will be printed in October’s issue of British Plastics and Rubber.