Similar developments can be witnessed in Italy - 75% of the Italian manufacturers' glass products are for the export sector.
The European machine manufacturers anticipate that the greatest drive will come from the Asian and eastern European markets in the future. This applies above all to the plate glass sector. Hence a constant increase in demand for machinery and installations can be anticipated in China due to the flourishing construction sector and the increased levels of automotive production. Therefore the developments for the sector in 2003 could also continue to apply in 2004 even if the current exchange rate of the Euro does not exactly enhance the export opportunities. Eastern Europe, with a share of roughly 20%, is the second largest exporter of glass products to Germany achieving higher export levels than Asia or America.
Important foreign markets for the European glass manufacturers include Africa and the Arabian countries in addition to Eastern Europe, Asia and North America. The trend that has been witnessed for several years continues by means of these developments whereby the non-European markets are increasing in terms of their significance due to their more dynamic rates of growth.
Source
Glass Age
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