Although sales of German manufacturers of plastic and rubber machinery fell by 1% in 2013, and revenue from core machinery was less than 6.5 billion euros in 2012, the latest survey shows that members of the German plastic machinery association (VDMA) are optimistic about the outlook for 2014.

Ulrich Reifenhuser, president of the association, said that with demand growth in the second half of 2013, he estimated that sales of plastic machinery would grow by 6 per cent in 2014, reaching 6.9 billion euros.

He believes that demand in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and North America will be very good in the first half of 2014, and he is full of confidence in the German market.

Demand in Latin America should increase.

According to the latest internal survey of the association, they only have reservations about the Asian market, but this does not include China.

Reifenhuser said the result takes into account the 2013 sales level and is in line with the association's expectations.

Thorsten K ü hmann, Director of Operations of the Association, added: "for the whole of 2013, the orders received are in good agreement with the total amount of the previous year, although there is an upward trend.

Domestic demand in Germany can be used as the basis for the new year.

Overseas demand showed a clear and steady growth in the second half of 2013.

The growth rate from European countries has accelerated significantly.

Before November 2013, European exports of rubber and plastic machinery were growing at an annual rate of 4.1 per cent, and now exports have reached 4.6 billion euros.

This figure has set a new record, and the German plastic Machinery Association will once again increase its export share to more than 70%.

Reifenhuser believes that the Chinese market was a factor in last year's growth, while the US growth was above average.

By contrast, growth in southern Asian countries such as India, Indonesia and Thailand has largely stagnated.

Due to its proximity to Germany, members of the association are confident that exports to Italy, Spain and Portugal will grow steadily.