Insight

There is a German saying: ‘The sound of salesmen is complaint’. But in the last year you could not hear many complaints in our branch. All world markets were running very well – even the European countries besides Germany. 

Due to strong exports and a growing private consumption Germany was the locomotive of the EU. The turnover of the members of FDS increased on average around 7%. Some companies had even two-digit growth rates. Problems occurred on the supply side of the market. The anti-dumping duty for China was omitted without the expected high increase of imports due to a shortage of offered steel and fasteners on the Chinese market.

Not only the Asian producers but also the Europeans – in a slightly lower way – could increase prices on the market. For wholesalers with annual contracts with big customers these prices could only be impacted in limited extents. However, due to a big growth in sales the profitability should be very good in many companies.

The next year promises to continue like this. The economy – also in Germany – is booming in nearly all branches. But problems on the supply side should remain or even increase. The Chinese producers charge 20% higher prices and the reducing capacities will become noticeable more and more. Other supply markets are also under pressure and we therefore expect prolonged delivery times, delivery problems and highly increasing prices. 

This is the time when the salesmen can start complaining again.