Exports of plastics and rubber machines from Germany to China in 2012 fell to EUR 640m from EUR 766m in 2011, according to data from the German plastics and rubber machinery association VDMA (Frankfurt; www.vdma.org). After two years with growth rates significantly above average, the 16.4% year-on-year decrease reflects a certain consolidation in the country, the association said.

In 2011, worldwide exports of plastics and rubber machines to China were over EUR 2.48 bn, a year-on-year increase of 17.6%, while Germany’s exports were up 30.5% compared to 2010. Exports by the German machinery makers grew at an above average rate and the share in total world exports to China climbed to 30.9%. German suppliers remain the top of the export league for the Chinese processors of plastics and rubber, increasing their dominance over Japanese competitors, which accounted for EUR 591m of exports (23.8% of the total) in 2011, up 2.3% on 2010. The two leaders were followed by Taiwan (10.8%), USA (5.8%) and Italy (5.3%).

Around 140 exhibitors will participate in the German pavilion at “Chinaplas 2013” in Guangzhou from 20 to 23 May, occupying 3,835m² – see Plasteurope.com of 14.03.2013.