Last year, the Sensors & Measurement sector recorded a 6% increase in sales compared to the previous year. However, AMA members recorded a 6% drop in sales in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, accompanied by a 3% decline in incoming orders. Despite these challenges, the industry expects slight sales growth for the current year according to the latest member survey by the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement (AMA).
Industry plans additional investments of 13
AMA members invested 1% more in 2023 than in the previous year, but plan to increase investment by 13% in the current year while maintaining the same level of staff. Members are thus focusing on the future viability of the industry, investing in technologies and emphasising the relevance of sensor and measurement technology.
The export ratio for sensor and measurement technology fell by 17% to 48% in 2023. This development is attributable to the decline in exports to non-European countries. The export ratio to other Central European countries remained stable. In 2023, the supply bottlenecks for semiconductors and other critical supplier products decreased noticeably for the majority of AMA members. Around 20% of respondents stated that they continue to have difficulties with procurement. Most sensor specialists are now able to cover their requirements again without any problems.
"The fourth quarter of 2023 was more difficult than expected for the sensor and measurement technology sector. The decline in sales hit the large members harder than the small and medium-sized companies. This particularly affected the large members that supply the automotive industry," says Thomas Simmons, Managing Director of the AMA Association, summarising the new statistics. "Our members are cautiously optimistic for the current year 2024 and expect sales growth of 2%. The planned increase in investments of 13% is pleasing, which for me is a clear commitment to the innovative strength and relevance of sensor and measurement technology for the industry."
Further information is available at www.ama-sensorik.de.
