The 2005 World Machine-Tool Survey at a Glance

All producing countries make gains. The recent worldwide industry slump is clearly over. Predictably, some rebounds are more resilient than others. Japan increases its lead over Germany in dollar-volume output of machine tools. Taiwan edges ahead of the U.S.

Total World Output Increases: The top 31 countries produce $45.3-billion in 2004. That’s 23% higher than the value those same nations created in 2003.

China Remains World’s Biggest Consumer: By far. With purchases of $9.3-billion, China out-buys second-place Japan by $3.3-billion! Then follow Germany, the U.S., Italy, and South Korea. On a per-capita basis, an investment spurt by Taiwan moves it ahead of Switzerland.

Trade Patterns Make for a World Market. Germany and Japan top the list of exporting countries. A voracious China leads America among importers, and the surge in Taiwan’s machine-tool appetite causes a doubling of imports in 2004.