Net U.S. Saw Blade and Handtool Imports Showed a Downward Trend

From 2008 to 2014, the U.S. saw blade and handtool market showed mixed dynamics. A significant drop in 2009 was followed by recovery growth over the next three years, until the market decreased again. In 2014, the market resumed growth, reaching 8,785 million USD, which was the peak level recorded over the period under review.

U.S. saw blade and handtool manufacturing illustrated mixed dynamics over the last few years. The plunge of 2009 was followed by positive dynamics in production. However, manufacturing resumed its decline falling short of reaching the pre-crisis level. In 2014, production stood at 5,715 million USD, increasing slightly.

Saw blade and handtool manufacturing is still in the recovery phase of the economic cycle. Saw blade and handtool output has to grow another 13% in order to reach the pre-recession production level achieved in 2007.

The market is defined by the growing presence of imports, with an import share of 75% in market sales in 2014. The industry should keep growing at moderate paces in foreseeable future, but demand and revenue will bounce back after a challenging period. Renewed construction and stronger consumer sentiment will contribute to this growth. However, key input prices will also increase, so operators will need to raise prices to maintain profit margins. Price-based competition from less expensive imports has boosted the volume of foreign goods as a share of domestic demand.

China, Germany and Japan were the main suppliers of saw blades and handtools into the U.S., with a combined share of 56% of total U.S. imports in 2015. However, the fastest growing supplier was the Republic of Korea (+10.2% per year) from 2007 to 2015. China strengthened its position in the U.S. import structure, from 32% in 2007 to 37% in 2015. By contrast, Japan saw its share reduced to 9%.

U.S. exports of saw blades and handtools experienced robust growth since 2009. The export growth rates were higher than those of production and consumption. As U.S. companies improved their positions on overseas markets, domestic manufacturers enjoyed a new growth driver.

In 2015, the main destinations of U.S. saw blade and handtool exports were Canada (26%) and Mexico (17%). The share exported to Mexico increased (+6 percentage points), while the share sent to Japan illustrated negative dynamics (-5 percentage points).

Net U.S. imports of saw blades and handtools showed a negative trend since 2009. In 2015, this industry ran a significant trade deficit of 3,351 million USD, approximately 49% of gross imports. This deficit could grow substantially in the years to come.

Source: U.S. Saw Blade And Handtool Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2020