In 2008, Germany's total output value of machine tools will replace Japan to become the world's largest

　　According to the statistical analysis of 22 major machine tool producing countries by AMT in the United States, Germany's total machine tool output value will reach $16 billion in 2008, replacing Japan as the world's number one. It is expected that the output value of metal cutting machine tools in Japan this year will reach 11.8 billion US dollars. If the output value of metal forming machine tools is added, the total output value of machine tools in Japan will reach 12.9 billion US dollars, making it the world's second largest producer of machine tools. The total output value of machine tools in Chinese Mainland is 12.3 billion US dollars, ranking third in the world. The total output value of machine tools in Italy is 8.6 billion US dollars, ranking fourth.

　　According to estimates, in 2008, the total production value of machine tools in Taiwan will reach 5.3 billion US dollars, ranking fifth in the world. South Korea ranks sixth with a total output value of 4.9 billion US dollars.

　　Due to the strong demand in the Asian market and the strong influence of the euro, AMT predicts that the world's total machine tool output value will reach 79.2 billion US dollars in 2008, a year-on-year increase of 14%. Compared with 2007, the growth rate of major machine tool producing countries (regions) is 24% in Germany, 20% in Brazil, 17% in Chinese Mainland, Italy and Taiwan, 7.7% in South Korea and 4% in Japan.

　　According to the Taiwan Machinery Industry Association, the total export value of machine tools in Taiwan will reach 4.1 billion US dollars in 2008, ranking behind Germany, Japan, and Italy.