The 2004 World Machine-Tool Survey At A Glance

Asian Producers Make Major Gains: Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India all post double-digit increases in production for 2003.  

Total World Output Increases: The top 30 countries produce $36.3-billion in 2003. That’s 13% higher than the value those same nations created in 2002.

China Remains World’s Biggest Consumer: By far. Posting a 27% increase in consumption, the Peoples Republic of China at $6.6-billion out-buys   second-place Germany by some $2.2-billion—a difference of about twice what France purchases. Japan, the U.S., and Italy follow in outlays for metalworking equipment. On a per-capita basis, Switzerland is the leading consumer, followed by South Korea, Italy, and Germany.

Aggressive Exporters: Germany, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, and Switzerland top the list of exporting countries, and each export more than 45% of their domestic production.

Biggest Importer: China, which ships in $4-billion. The U.S. increases its imports to $2.6-billion to stay in second place.

Best Machine-Tool Trade Balance: Japan, followed closely by Germany. The most unfavorable balance rests in China.