Electrical equipment

The most important items exported in-
cluded electric engines, generators, transformers (EUR 0. 64bn) ,
electricity distribution and switching equipment (EUR 0. 60bn) ,
and cable and electrical installation material (EUR 0. 64bn) . Com-
ponents for electric household appliances (EUR 0. 65bn) are
also supplied to the UK, mainly spare parts for maj or brands.

Investment in equipment in the business sector, investment
in the construction sector, and the consumer spending of private
households are thus important for German exporters. There are
many predictions of a significant slowdown here. Before the
Brexit vote, British companies in particular were already exercis-
ing restraint with regard to investment and proj ects. Indications
are that this will not change in 2017, since the Brexit negotia-
tions will be prolonged and the outcome cannot be gauged.

German export business is likely to suffer as a result. Weaker
economic growth in the UK will endanger job security and
households will also have to pay more for imported goods be-
cause of the weak British pound. In the densely populated South
of England, property prices will also weaken, with a negative
impact on household assets. This will also affect exporters of
lamps and lighting ( export value 2015: EUR0. 26bn) .