The figures are based on Eurostat data, as well as estimations from FEM and VDMA for equipment not covered by Eurostat (storage equipment and software/automation). The aim is to give a picture of the size and evolution of the FEM sector, one of the largest in European mechanical engineering. The exercise will be undertaken annually.

The analysis of the 2009 data confirms the reductions previously reported by FEM Product Groups, with an average of -25% in production value compared to 2008, and even close to -30% if one excludes repair and maintenance. This puts the 2009 production value under its 2005 level.

Exports decreased by 24% but their share in production value slightly increased, notably because of the relative vitality of some external markets and the heavy fall in EU domestic demand (-30%), as reflected by the large decrease in imports for the same period (-47%).

An analysis of the period 2005-2009 enables one to measure the evolution of the market structure: 

• Exports now represent more than a third of the European materials handling equipment’s production value. This share almost doubled between 2005 and 2009.
• External materials handling products have also increased their presence on the European market.
  Although they still represent a relatively modest share (11%) of the EU domestic demand, such share doubled between 2005 and 2009. 

The 2010 figures should be available in the coming months and will enable us to measure the extent of the recovery experienced last year and which continued in the first quarter of 2011 for most FEM product groups.