The U.S. Remains a Net Importer of Scales and Balances, while China Strengthens Its Position as a Major Supplier

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The U.S. takes first place in global imports of scales and balances, accounting for a 14% share (based on USD). It was followed by China (10%), Germany (9%), and Japan (8%). In 2015, U.S. scale and balance imports totaled 1,671 million USD, which was 86 million USD (5%) more than the year before.

From 2007 to 2015, U.S. scale and balance imports showed mixed dynamics. A significant drop in 2009 was followed by rapid growth over the next two years, until imports stabilized in 2012. They fluctuated near the level of 2012 over the last four years, with a slight acceleration in 2015. In 2010, U.S. scale and balance imports surpassed the pre-recession level of 2007.

As the world's leading importer, the U.S. continues to be one of the biggest markets for global exporters.

China, Germany, and Japan were the main suppliers of scales and balances into the U.S., with a combined share of 52% of total U.S. imports in 2015. China was the fastest growing supplier (+7.1% per year) from 2007 to 2015, while Germany's import share grew by +3.6% per year, and Japan faced a decline. China strengthened its position in the U.S. import structure, growing its share from 18% in 2007 to 25% in 2015. By contrast, Japan saw its share reduced by -4 percentage points to 12%.

From 2007 to 2015, the U.S. was a net importer of scales and balances. Moreover, imports grew faster than exports on average over the period under review.

Despite several fluctuations, the U.S. trade deficit in this sector worsened over the period under review, growing from 187 million USD in 2007 to 419 million USD in 2014. The trade deficit experienced a hike in 2015, as exports dropped, while imports tracked a 5% increase.

Source: U.S. Scale And Balance Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2020