The woodworking division of the German Engineering Association (VDMA) recorded a 5% drop in overall sales of stationary woodworking machinery values to €2.2bn in 2013, but it expects business to improve this year with the improving economic climate.
The UK was the 11th biggest market for German woodworking machinery, with Russia, China and France taking the top three spots.
"The trade is starting 2014 in an optimistic mood," said Bernhard Dirr, managing director of the VDMA’s woodworking machinery division. "We are looking back at a business year that was generally checkered. Business prospects for suppliers in the wood and furniture industry are positive, despite the uncertainties such as [exist] currently in the Ukraine.
"Hi-tech investments are globally at a good level. That is why we are expecting a growth of up to 5% for our sector."
The biggest export declines last year were in Asia and South America, with positive developments in Europe and North America.
Russia’s imports of German woodworking technology were worth €177m, with China (€153m) and France (€125m) following.
China was the biggest exporter of woodworking machinery to Germany last year with exports valued at €92m, followed by Italy (€73m).
