EnThe industrial robotics industry is in a long-term phase of expansion. U.S. imports have increased for 10 straight months as of May 31, Panjiva data shows. A 41.5% increase in the last three months on a year earlier following a 22.5% increase in 2016 as a whole. That growth has been led by Fanuc, whose exports to the U.S. increased 47.4% in the past quarter, with ABB expanding 4.6x.
Source: Panjiva
U.S. exports of industrial robotics have also been expanding, even though the country runs an annual “robotics deficit” (ie exports less imports) of $939 million in the 12 months to April 30. Exports expanded 10.4% on a year earlier in the three months to April 30, with growth being driven by sales to China which increased 57.0%. Exports to Mexico meanwhile were unchanged over the same period.
Source: Panjiva
Looking ahead into May shipments to Mexico by U.S. exporters of industrial automation equipment and parts including Delphi and Kemet likely increased significantly. Total Mexican imports increased 14.8% in the three months to May 31 and reached their second highest on record that month. Deliveries from the U.S. climbed 20.6% for the quarter. There is a degree of catchup, however, as European exporters including Festo and Kuka had outperformed those from the U.S. over the past five years.
Looking ahead further growth in Mexican industrial robotics imports may be challenged. A large proportion of the importers are in the electronics (Sanmina, Flextronics) and automotive (General Motors, Navistar) industries. With Ford planning to invest in China instead of Mexico, as outlined in Panjiva research of June 21, and Foxconn considering a U.S. display factory future investment in Mexico may be lower.
Source: Panjiva
