German Wood Processing Machinery Producers Managed to Keep Their Output Unchanged in 2012

German wood processing machinery producers managed to keep their output roughly unchanged at around €2.5bn in 2012, according to preliminary information from the Wood Processing Machinery division within the German Machinery and Plant Construction Federation (VDMA). An increase in the wood-based panels machinery business contrasted with a slight decrease in downstream processing technology (machinery for the furniture and building products industry and carpenters). The sawmill machinery business was stable. Imports of wood processing machinery increased 2 % to €286m during the period, which presently includes statistics from January to October. On the other hand, exports fell 2.4 % to €1.5bn. This results in a slight increase in apparent domestic consumption.