German-made household appliances are in high demand in other countries. Following a three-year recession-driven downturn, the industry sector saw a strong rise in exports of washing machines, dishwashers, cookers and small electrical appliances in 2010, according to the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association ZVEI (Frankfurt / Germany; www.zvei.org). Exports of household appliances totalled EUR 6.2 bn at wholesale prices, an increase of roughly 5% according to ZVEI managing director Werner Scholz.

Scholz reports that the domestic German market for household appliances has not been affected by the economic crisis. Measured at retail prices, sales climbed 2% last year to EUR 10.6 bn, of which large appliances accounted for EUR 7.1 bn whereas small appliances made up EUR 3.5 bn. There was particularly high demand for easy-to-use large appliances with energy-saving functions. ZVEI also reports that consumers are becoming increasingly quality-conscious, as witnessed by the fact that high-quality products in particular are seeing the increase in demand. Major growth drivers are food processors, espresso and other coffee machines, as well as personal care and health care appliances.

ZVEI is predicting further growth in exports of household appliances in 2011, accompanied by stable business in Germany. "As long as consumer sentiment remains sound, our sector experts believe further growth is possible, even in Germany," said Scholz.

With output valued at more than EUR 8 bn, Germany is a major producer of electrical equipment. Large appliances and components are manufactured at 16 sites throughout the country. There are also many mid-sized producers of small appliances of all types. Excluding suppliers, employment in the German household appliance industry is stable at around 50,000 people.