Global Fastener News

April 17, 1995 FIN – Taiwan’s screw export in 1993 and the first seven months of 1994 set record highs due to increased growth in the U.S. market.

According to Taiwan customs figures, 580,000 tons of screws were exported in 1993, up to 11.8% over 1992. The average unit price per kilo rose 5.4%.

German and Canadian importing also were up; however, exports to Japan continued to decrease (down 10.46% in 1993) due to Taiwan’s trade problems with Japan, according to Taiwan Trade Opportunities.

During the first seven months of 1994, Taiwan’s screw manufacturers shipped 243,000 tons of screws to the U.S.

• Self-tapping screw exports jumped 13.1% to 79,000 tons in 1993; wood screws totaled 59,000 tons, or 4.4% over 1992; other screw exports totaled 255,000 tons, or 9.2% up.

• Nut exports rose 17.7% to 140,000 tons.

• Screw shipments to the U.S. during the first even months of 1994 were up 23%.

The U.S. was the leading destination, importing 355,000 tons of screws in 1993. Germany ranked second at 30,000; Canada 21,000; Australia 18,000.

Screw shipments to the U.S. during the first seven months of 1994-the period ending just before the typhoons, which disrupted fastener, production-were up 23%.

“To further sharpen the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s screw exports, those in the industry plan to form an entrepreneurial alliance, deigned to make the best use of the island’s capital, technology and marketing resources,” Wendy Liu wrote in Taiwan Trade Opportunities.

The plan calls for 10 to 15 entrepreneurs operating as one unit and focuses on previously neglected area such as eastern Europe, Japan and Russia.

“Overall the ongoing efforts of Taiwan manufacturers to upgrade their facilities, develop new materials, and introduce advanced production technologies should make the screw industry highly competitive in the years ahead,” Liu wrote. “Domestic upper stream suppliers have no difficulty in providing quality materials, while strong R&D programs have brought advances in areas ranging from advanced teething and threading processes to the creating of special purpose products. Cooperation in overseas warehousing and marketing is helping the industry to strengthen its international position as well. ©1995/2011 Fastener Industry News

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