German media: "China's speed" puts pressure on German machinery manufacturing industry

Ask AI · How can China’s machinery manufacturing industry achieve rapid growth by combining low prices with technology?

Reference News Network April 8 reports The website of the German “Business” newspaper published on April 2 a report titled “The ‘China speed’ in machinery manufacturing brings enormous competitive pressure.”

The report says the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry is one of Germany’s most important industries, with annual sales of about 280 billion euros (1 euro is approximately 7.95 yuan RMB—this outlet’s note), an export rate exceeding 75%, and it has long been known for precision and innovation. But the situation is changing.

The report says China’s machinery exports are growing rapidly. The latest analysis from Porsche Management Consulting shows that low prices are no longer the only factor: Chinese manufacturers combine lower prices with increasingly strong technological content, and shift their focus more toward Europe.

According to the research results from Porsche Management Consulting, in plastic processing, the machine prices offered by Chinese manufacturers are 30% to 40% cheaper, while processing cycles are about the same.

In the field of laser cutting, the power range of products from Chinese suppliers is already sufficient to meet the needs of many applications. At present, they also offer 2D laser cutting machines with power up to 80kW. These systems can be applied to scenarios that do not demand the highest precision, but some are priced 70% lower than European high-end equipment.

In control technology, competitive pressure is also increasing. New suppliers are targeting competition directly against established systems.

According to the report, the differences mainly lie in speed: Chinese companies can quickly respond to market demand and rapidly adjust equipment to meet customer needs.

“China speed” is reflected not only in innovation, but also in trade flows. For example, last year China’s machinery exports to Germany grew by about 15%, while Germany’s machinery exports to China fell by about 8%.

According to the report, Oliver Richthof?b?erg, the head of foreign trade at the German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association, said: “In our enterprises, we have clearly felt this competitive pressure in day-to-day business.” (Translated by/Zhong Sirui)