GERMANY – After a record woodworking machinery production of EUR 4.2 billion in 2023, the VDMA (Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) has revised its 2024 forecast, predicting a 15% decrease, bringing production to EUR 3.6 billion.

This marks a downward revision from earlier projections of a 10% decline due to weaker-than-expected market conditions.

Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Managing Director of the VDMA, cited slow investment decisions in the wood and furniture sectors, driven by weak construction activity and low furniture consumption. Despite a high demand for innovation, customer hesitation has caused delays in technology purchases. However, Dirr noted early signs of recovery, including an uptick in orders for standard machines, with expectations for stabilization and gradual improvement by 2025.

The association remains cautiously optimistic, pointing to interest rate cuts and large orders as potential catalysts for a market rebound. Although stagnation is expected in 2025, innovations in automation, sustainable building materials, and AI-powered production processes are seen as key drivers for future growth.

In exports, Germany’s woodworking machinery sector saw a 13% drop to EUR 1.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024. While European markets suffered significant declines, exports to the MENA region and Oceania increased. The USA, China, and France experienced drops, though some regions like Egypt, Canada, and New Zealand showed strong demand.

The Italian woodworking machinery market, which grew significantly from EUR 993 million in 2019 to EUR 1.34 billion in 2023, is also facing a decline, with VDMA expecting an 11% drop in 2024. The slowdown is attributed to the end of government tax incentives, stagnant construction, and rising competition from China. However, automation and industrial timber construction are on the rise, offering hope for future stability.

The VDMA Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association represents 3,600 companies across Germany and Europe.