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Packaging Machinery Demand Grows in China

China is one of the fastest growing markets for packaging machinery in the world. Demand for packaging equipment in China is projected to climb 8.6 percent annually through 2009 to 35.9 billion yuan (or approximately $4.4 billion). Demand for labeling and coding equipment for the People`s Republic will outpace sales of other types of packaging machinery, spurred by the growing need for shippers to accurately identify and track items. In addition, increased use of radio frequency identification tags will bolster demand for associated labeling equipment. Demand for filling and form/fill/seal equipment will also climb at an above-average rate through 2009, maintaining its position as the most widely used type of packaging machinery in China.

The size, growth and composition of packaging machinery demand in the six regions that make up China vary considerably, reflecting differences in the relative size and structure of local manufacturing activity. The Northeast, Northwest and Southwest regions, for example, are underdeveloped but being targeted economically by the central government`s ",Go West", and ",Reviving the Northeast", campaigns. However, the Central-East and Central-South regions together account for more than 70 percent of the country`s total manufacturing production. As a result, these areas will continue to provide packaging machinery suppliers with the greatest sales opportunities.

The food industry is the largest market for packaging machinery in China. Food-related applications are expected to strengthen their already dominant market position as population and employment gains, increased urbanization and higher per capita income fuel consumption and output of convenience and other packaged food products. Demand for equipment used to package medical, pharmaceutical and personal care products is also projected to rise at an above-average rate through 2009.