Bookings by members of the German Large Industrial Plant Manufacturer´s Group (AGAB) rose to a record 32.8 billion euros in 2008 compared to 32.4 billion euros in 2007. “Since the beginning of the upturn in 2003, bookings have risen by 115 %, which is an unprecedented rate of growth,” reported AGAB spokesman Dieter Rosenthal from SMS Siemag. „However, there has been a noticeable drop off in demand since the middle of 2008. Orders were up by 15 % during the first six months, but they declined by 11 % in the second half of the year.” Foreign demand fell slightly in 2008 to 26.3 billion euros – compared to 26.8 billion euros in 2007. However, that is still an excellent result, and it is 10 million euros more than the average for the preceding ten years. The US and South Africa were the top markets. Demand was also strong in the Asia Pacific Region, the CIS countries, North Africa and South Asia. China was once again the most important customer. Bookings from German customers in 2008 were at the highest levels for 15 years. The industry placed orders worth 6.4 billion euros, a 16 % increase compared to 2007. A significant rise in demand from the power generation industry was the main factor behind the increased booking levels. Power plant construction accounted for 55 % (3.5 billion euros) of the domestic orders.“
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