German machinery exports to China fell
German machinery exports to China fell
One of the key drivers of German exports is machinery, but sales in China, the biggest foreign market, have been weak. German mechanical exports to China fell sharply in 2012, and the drop in the first half of 2013 has not stopped. China is the most important export destination for German mechanical products, with export share accounting for 11% of the industry's total exports. According to a study by the middle class institute of the university of mannheim, German investment products are less strongly needed in China than they used to be because their products are relatively expensive. A survey by Staufen, an enterprise consultancy, found that 84 per cent of Chinese customers believed that German suppliers should improve their service attitude and quality.