The European construction equipment market recorded an unexpectedly dynamic start in 2016, according to the new
The CECE Bulletin says the encouraging opening period of 2016 was driven by the robust recovery of the French market, the continuation of the recovery in Southern Europe and the stability of the Western European market as a whole.
Construction equipment sales in Europe grew by 11% in the first quarter, compared with Q1 2015. France’s extraordinarily strong quarter has put it at the same level as the UK market (both 15% of overall European country sales), which suffered double-digit declines, with both countries second to the largest market Germany (21% of all European country sales).
The monthly CECE Business Barometer index also stayed at high levels in May. However, optimism regarding the future was a little less strong, with the current business situation seen as more positive by the surveyed manufacturers. Both incoming orders and sales on the European market reached their highest levels in more than two years. When it comes to markets, all countries and regions in Europe are regarded positively at present. In contrast, the Latin American market is seen as very negative by manufacturers. Also, despite some upturn in spring, a majority is still expecting more declines in China.
