In focus: The topics of VDMA Textile Machinery
The textile machinery industry continues to face a challenging market environment. Global demand remains subdued and almost all sales markets are affected by a reluctance to invest.
The VDMA-wide economic survey for Q4 2024, which was conducted in January, revealed the following picture for the textile machinery industry
China's textile and clothing exports show slight growth. Weak economy weighs on textile machinery manufacturers.
Under the guidance of the Chinese government, China's textile industry is committed to implementing green and low-carbon development. There are specific targets and a catalogue of measures for the period up to 2030.
Incoming orders from abroad for the mechanical engineering sector in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 4.7% in March 2025, following a double-digit increase in December and January.
The Council has adopted its negotiating mandate on the eDeclaration. This is a first step towards less bureaucracy in the area of posting of workers.
The EU-Commission has presented a Single Market strategy and focuses on removing the 10 most harmful obstacles, including barriers to the posting of workers.
This article provides an overview of the wide range of support available to German companies wishing to enter the African market. The overview is updated regularly, but does not claim to be exhaustive.
New VDMA Austria Working Group Export Control
How well do you know the VDMA statistics database? And how often do you use it? Join us on a half-hour tour and get to know our wide range of data.
Letters of credit or advance payment are not very attractive in a competitive environment. Credit insurance for payment terms is an alternative. These are also an entry into export financing.
The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.
The mechanical engineering sector started the year with a subdued export result. March at least showed a slight upward trend. However, the weaknesses in the Chinese and EU markets remain serious.
The EU provides consolidated versions of its sanctions regulations. In the case of the Russia sanctions, the consolidated legal texts have now been updated to the 16th sanctions package.
On May 20, 2025, the EU published its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures (5 amending regulations) all come into force on May 21, 2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland have been falling since January 2024 and fell by a further 3% in March 2025, resulting in an overall decline of 8% in the first quarter of 2025. (see table 1 and chart).
Foreign exchange market was deregulated in March 2024. But expectations that exports would pick up afterwards were not fulfilled. VDMA members in Egypt nevertheless report good business.
Saudi Arabia in transition offers both challenges and opportunities. Local presence remains crucial, and not just because of increasing Chinese competition.
EU Commissioner Séjourné signals a change in policy to strengthen companies. What is needed is a drastic simplification of EU legislation, the completion of the internal market and more trade agreements.
The EU-Commission launches public consultations on possible countermeasures in response to Trump's introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts from the EU.
The new Trump tariffs are not only raising costs for the machinery sector, but creating confusion and uncertainty among manufacturers that export to the United States.
Buoyant foreign orders - weak domestic demand: In March 2025, incoming orders showed two very different faces. The bottom line was a considerable increase of 30 percent.
In March 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 22% down on the previous year.
The foreign trade department informs you about the latest developments in exports and supports you in accessing difficult markets. We support your international activities with offices worldwide and practical information.
In our quarterly report, we provide you with information on India's macroeconomic development, as well as detailed information on the manufacturing industry and individual sectors with a particular focus on machinery and equipment.
After the poor start to the year for foreign orders in mechanical engineering in Hesse in January (-15.8%), orders rose by 6.6% in February 2025. This represents a decline of 6.1 percent up to February.
From August 28, 2025, many products in India will require a market access mark. The VDMA India webinar with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides an overview.
Incoming orders from abroad for the mechanical engineering sector in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 0.5% in February 2025, following a double-digit increase two months earlier. Growth of 5.9% therefore remains until February.
In light of Trump’s tariffs, analysts highlight ASEAN’s risks from trade tensions but remain optimistic about the region's resilience. Singapore’s semiconductor industry stays cautious, exporters diversify suppliers and customers amid uncertainties.
From 7-11th April Oliver Wack from VDMA Foreign Trade visited Japan. The main topic was to prepare VDMA President's Bertram Kawlath's visit to Japan in September.
The webinar on May 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is the first in a series of events organized by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), VDMA e.V. and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland have been falling since January 2024 and fell by a further 15.6% in January 2025, resulting in a total decline of 10.3% by February 2025 (see table 1 and chart).
The Shanghai-Germany Manufacturing Industry Exchange Dialogue was held on April 1, 2025, at Hannover Messe, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government and VDMA.
"Navigate the Future of the 'Beverage' Industry" - drinktec Day & Press Conference is successfully held
New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.
VDMA has met with the EU Member States, the EU-Commission and the EU-Parliament to campaign for the eDeclaration. If adopted, this would be an important first step towards reducing bureaucracy.
The Hermes Annual Report for Export Credit Guarantees 2024 has been published. The figures show how relevant the protection of export receivables against crises is.
The EU is right to keep a cool head in response to US President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs. An open trade war would serve no one. However, the EU should use the momentum for new free trade agreements.
Sentiment in the mechanical engineering sector improved somewhat at the start of 2025, but remains very mixed. A majority of companies do not expect slight growth again until 2026.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive employment and wage statistics. In our interactive report, we clearly present data by industry, occupational group and location.
In turbulent times, good trade relations are just as important as innovation. With the guest country Canada and the focus on the use of artificial intelligence in production, Hannover Messe 2025 has set the right signals.
The USA is much more than just a major sales market for industry in Europe. The change in trade policy under Donald Trump is hitting companies all the harder. Europe must now show unity and strength - in every respect.
VDMA has conducted an initial analysis of the Mercosur agreement. This Free Trade Agreement is an important signal against isolationism and in favor of open markets in the current tense geopolitical situation.
In economically difficult times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personal advice. Together we will find the right course and strengthen the resilience of the companies.
EU machinery and equipment manufacturing companies currently rate their competitive position as worse than the long-term average. This is particularly true to companies based in Germany.
The blanket punitive tariffs announced by Donald Trump will harm producers and consumers in both regions - and will exacerbate rather than resolve trade conflicts.
In February 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 16% higher in real terms than in February 2024.
India's Interim Union Budget for 2024 projects a reduction in the revised fiscal deficit and a decline in inflation. These key economic indicators signal a promising future for the Indian economy, even amidst global economic uncertainties.
After a weak start to the year, patience is still required: the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector once again saw a drop in orders in February. Only customers from the eurozone invested generously.
In February, order books in the mechanical engineering sector filled up unexpectedly strongly by 8% in real terms. Part of this growth was due to large-scale plant business and part to component business.
For the second month in a row, incoming orders from abroad for the mechanical engineering sector in Rhineland-Palatinate showed double-digit growth, following four months of double-digit declines.
The tougher the international competition, the greater the demand for payment terms from the manufacturer. Currently, the disruptive measures taken by many national governments are increasing the need for export cover.
The US government's tariff policy could result in a 4% drop in production by Japanese car manufacturers.
The machinery industry is calling for a thorough state reform in Germany to increase industrial competitiveness. The EU, too, must get the economic development in Europe back on track.
The mechanical engineering industry in Brazil will benefit from the simplification of certificates of origin through self-certification in Mercosur.
China’s Two Sessions 2025 spotlight a bold industrial shift—AI, 6G, digitalization, and smart manufacturing are set to reshape the machinery sector in the coming years.
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland have been falling since January 2024 and fell by a further 23.8% in December, resulting in an overall decline of 12.2% for 2024 (see table 1 and chart).
Tariffs of 25 percent on the import of cars and car parts have been announced. They are due to come into force starting May 3.
Mitsubishi Corporation plans to build data center on the site of the former JFE blast furnace with an investment volume of JPY 150 billion (EUR 937 million).
Singapore’s Budget 2025 presents significant opportunities for businesses to reduce costs, invest in workforce development, and adopt digital innovations.
Malaysia and Singapore launched the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in January 2025. The new economic initiative aims to drive significant business growth with as many as 50 projects and create 20,000 skilled jobs.
In February, the ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 51.5, the highest in seven months, from 50.4 in January. This marks the highest reading since July 2023.
The VDMA is intensifying its activities in sub-Saharan Africa and is looking forward to new support in the team of the foreign trade department
New orders for machinery in Japan fell by 3.5% in January compared to the previous month, while the order backlog reached a record high due to a shortage of labor and transportation capacity.
On March 12, the USA imposed tariffs of 25 percent on all steel and aluminum products, including some steel and aluminum derivatives. This affects the mechanical and plant engineering sector, especially the spare parts business.
Despite a slight decline in machinery exports to Kazakhstan in 2024, the German mechanical engineering industry remains confident
In 2024, machinery exports from Europe to the Southeast Asian region will still not be able to match the levels of the years before coronavirus and will even record further losses.
Thuringia's mechanical and plant engineering sector continued the previous year's very good sales result in 2024 despite the difficult conditions. The industry fell just short of the 4 billion mark.
In response to the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, the EU-Commission has initiated countermeasures against imports from the US. This included a consultation on EU countermeasures for US exports.
Benefit from the comprehensive expertise of the VDMA at the Hannover Messe! Take the opportunity for personal expert discussions with VDMA employees from various fields.
The machinery and equipment industry in Europe can hold its own in the face of increasingly tough global competition - if the promised relief comes and companies push ahead with their transformation.
In 2024, price-adjusted production output in the EU mechanical and plant engineering sector contracted by 7 percent compared to the previous year.
Since March 17, 2025, the notification procedure for employees posted to Switzerland has been handled exclusively via the EasyGov portal. The previous application for reporting short stays was deactivated on March 14, 2025.
After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector in January 2025 were 1% higher in real terms than in January 2024.
Which trade associations, departments, forums and working groups are taking part this year? You can find this and more information on the planned events and key topics in the network flyer.
For the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector, 2025 began as the previous year ended: with a drop in orders.
In December, incoming orders from abroad for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate increased significantly by 32.7%, following four months of double-digit declines.
The EU is aiming to conclude a free trade agreement with India this year. It would be an important step towards improving the competitive position of industry, also with regard to China.
The largest energy-related trade fair, SMART ENERGY WEEK, took place from February 19 to 21 at Tokyo Big Sight. Germany was strongly represented with three pavilions.
New orders in the machinery sector will increase in 2024 for the first time in two years, driven by semiconductors, electronics industries and others
The Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have broken off talks about a merger. However, the restructuring of the Japanese automotive industry is expected to continue in the future.
The Japanese electronics company Pioneer Corporation has opened a new R&D base in Wetzlar, Germany.
Nominal GDP in Japan in 2024 amounted to 609.3 trillion JPY (EUR 3.9 trillion) - an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year and thus a record high.
President Trump is calling for reciprocal trade and tariffs – what impact might this have on machinery and equipment manufacturers and transatlantic trade?
With a liaison office for the ASEAN region, the VDMA aims to support European mechanical engineering in the region. Tiffany Ang has been representing the VDMA in the ASEAN region based in Singapore since January 6, 2025.
The USA and China remain top of the mechanical engineering export rankings in 2024. Overall, exports fell by a nominal 5 percent to just under 200 billion euros.
Practical tips on reporting obligations for work assignments in Italy and on the construction site driver's license introduced in October 2024. Online event in cooperation with the German-Italian Chamber of Commerce on March 27, 2025.
The partner country of Hannover Messe 2025 is Canada: The country is attractive for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry and offers significant growth potential.
The VDMA has published its first quarterly economic report for the US market for plant and machinery.
The EU Commission has launched a survey on the provision of construction and installation services. Take part!
The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 is also intended to offer the supplier industry more opportunities on the export markets. The VDMA explains what is important.
The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 improves the forfaiting guarantee. LBBW reports the first financing with this cover.
The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 offers applicants a German Footprint concept if they do not only export German value added.
The mechanical engineering sector is feeling the effects of the recession - yet companies only reduced their workforce by just under 1% in 2024. Even now, the core workforce is to be retained as much as possible.
Many VDMA members are considering investing in the US market for the first time or deepening existing investments. We invite you to an interactive conference in presence on March 25, 2025.
English newsletter service of the Foreign Trade Department for VDMA members: The most important information at a glance. Subscribe now!
For the third time in a row, foreign orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse have increased. In November it was even a double-digit plus of 17 percent.
The Chinese government has taken countermeasures in response to the US government's announcement that it will impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all imports from China.
The establishment of a European private company would make it easier for companies to set up companies in other EU Member States under simple conditions and thus benefiting from a harmonized set of rules.
The VDMA has addressed extensive demands to politicians. What do the parties think? Our overview shows the extent to which the mechanical and plant engineering industry is taken into account in the programs for the federal election on February 23, 2025.
In December 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 10% higher than in the previous year.
In view of the decline in incoming orders of 5% in real terms compared to the same month last year, the mood in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical engineering sector remained subdued in December 2024.
The study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.
The overall result for orders in 2024 in the mechanical and plant engineering sector is disappointing. The wait for a turnaround continues. Better framework conditions in Germany are an important aspect of this.
Machinery new orders revised upwards for the first time in 8 months, supported by investment in decarbonization and AI
The EU and the Philippines announced the resumption of trade negotiations in 2024. VDMA prepared a document with the most important demands for the negotiating teams, e.g. the abolition of all tariffs.
The VDMA is calling for reliable framework conditions for growth and competitiveness in Germany in 2025. Together we can master the challenges of the future. You can find the details in the economic policy positions for 2025.
The German government wants to boldly reform export promotion. SMEs in particular can benefit from this - if the banks go along with it.
The mood in the mechanical engineering sector remains tense, with one in three companies rating their own situation as poor. Business prospects are a small ray of hope - but reforms are urgently needed.
The EU is committed to a more competitive Europe. A strategy for European industry must not get lost in individual aids, but must fundamentally strengthen Europe as a business location.
VDMA welcomes the announcement by the EU and Malaysia to resume their trade negotiations. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the machinery sector could then be removed.
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland have been falling since January 2024 and fell by a further 13.7% in November, resulting in a decline of 11.3% for the first eleven months of 2024 (see table 1 and chart).
In November, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell for the fourth month in a row, with double-digit declines of 21.2% in Germany and 17.9% abroad. This means that the declines are again sharper than in the previous month.
In October, incoming orders for the mechanical engineering sector in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 10.6% in Germany and 15.2% abroad for the third month in a row.
Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year
The mechanical engineering sector is calling for a reform of export financing to strengthen competitiveness and promote a level playing field.
Foreign orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse rose by a further 2.1% in October following 7.8% in the previous month. This was the fifth increase so far in 2024.
A small ray of hope in orders from eurozone countries in November does not change the overall weather situation: orders in the mechanical engineering sector are not gaining momentum.
In November 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 6% down on the previous year.
Even though incoming orders increased slightly in the first quarter of the year, forecasts for the mechanical engineering sectors remain cautious. The uncertainty is too great - especially with regard to the USA's customs policy.
The VDMA Dubai meeting was characterized by a positive mood - driven by current business as well as business expectations. Nevertheless, there are challenges.
In September, foreign orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse finally rose again by 7.8%. This was the fourth increase so far in 2024.
The U.S. Census Bureau has published new figures from the industry statistics by region. They provide information on turnover, value added and the number of employees, among other things. We present this data clearly in an interactive report.
The EU Commission agrees to postpone the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.
The EU Commission has published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for the year 2025. There are only a few changes for mechanical engineering.
In September, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 17% in Germany and 22% abroad for the second month in a row.
Heavy seas and no calm in sight: the mechanical engineering industry expects a decline in production and a slight reduction in jobs in 2025. A political turnaround is needed to strengthen the industry.
The EU-Mercosur agreement must now become a reality as quickly as possible. It is an important signal against isolationism and must not be called into question again in the EU Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.
Service providers offer discounted conditions - exclusively for VDMA members.
The EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur must finally be signed at the summit in Uruguay. This could save the EU alone 4 billion euros a year in customs duties.
The mechanical and plant engineering industry in North Rhine-Westphalia continues to be burdened by the weak global economy and by geopolitical challenges. VDMA NRW expects production to decline by 2% in real terms in 2025.
Order books in the mechanical engineering sector remain weak, with 9% fewer orders booked in October than in the previous year. Customers remain hesitant to make new investments
In October 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 7% higher in real terms than in the previous year.
India remains an attractive growth market for the mechanical engineering sector. Numerous local German companies are looking to expand, according to the latest VDMA survey.
The new EU Commission can begin its work on December 1. Europe's industry now needs quick decisions to strengthen its competitiveness.
VDMA supports companies in opening up international markets by participating in trade fairs, among other things. In addition to its own trade fair stands in Germany, it offers companies the opportunity to exhibit at group stand (German Pavilions).
The EU-Commission has given the go-ahead for a single EU-wide digital declaration portal for the posting of workers. VDMA expressly welcomes this first step towards reducing bureaucracy.
The business expectations of German mechanical engineering companies in China for 2024 show little sign of improvement. The hoped-for growth will once again not be achieved.
Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.
In August, there was once again no positive outlook for incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse, with double-digit declines of 13.5 percent from Germany and 13.9 percent from abroad.
In August, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by a double-digit 22.3% in Germany and 25.5% abroad.
The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule restricting certain investments in the Chinese semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence sectors.
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector in September 2024 were 14% down on the previous year in real terms
The order situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains weak, particularly in Germany. However, companies are also still waiting for new investment momentum in global business.
On October 28, the Russian central bank raised the key interest rate to 21 percent. At the same time, it indicated that the interest rate could soon rise even higher. The reasons are high inflation and the overheated economy.
This overview highlights the key differences and similarities between the trade policy of the two U.S. presidential candidates.
Since October 1, 2024, companies and self-employed persons working on temporary or mobile construction sites in Italy have been required to have a construction site driver's license. It is now also possible for foreign applicants to apply.
The August statistics on new orders for machinery showed that new orders from the "private sector (excluding ships and electricity)" fell by 1.9% to 858.1 billion yen (5.3 billion euros) compared to the previous month.
Fabiane Wahlbrink, head of VDMA Brazil, was able to expand the network for mechanical engineering at conferences and trade fairs. The hydrogen industry is just one example.
Current VDMA survey: Only 30 percent of the companies surveyed are bound by collective agreements. Companies not bound by collective agreements see too little scope for company solutions and a lack of flexibility in collective agreements.
The four states of the European Free Trade Association and India have signed a trade and economic partnership agreement. If they can do it, why can't the EU?
China's mechanical engineering industry continues to catch up, products from the Far East are getting better and are almost always cheaper. China is not only striving for technological supremacy locally, but also internationally.
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland have been falling since January 2024 and fell by a further 10.3% in October, resulting in a decline of 11.1% for the first ten months. (see table 1 and chart).
For many years, our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members.
According to the latest VDMA survey, the mood and prospects in the mechanical engineering sector have deteriorated noticeably. This makes it all the more urgent for politicians to finally set the course for new growth.
The EU Commission proposes postponement of the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.
The Western Balkans is a procurement market on our doorstep. Metal, wood and plastics processing as well as the textile industry and IT offer opportunities for nearshoring.
The tougher the dispute between the USA and China becomes in global trade, the greater the pressure on Europe. What will industries have to face if rules-based trade is pushed aside?
In this exclusive publication, we present Kamala Harris’s trade policy agenda and provide an assessment of the potential impact on machinery and equipment manufacturers.
Summer mood in August? Fiddlesticks! Incoming orders in the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector remained well below the previous year's level in August 2024.
In August 2024, incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector were 10% down on the previous year's result.
In August, incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector increased by 7% compared to the previous year. However, the upward outlier is not yet a trend reversal; special factors were responsible for the result.
The following summarizes the discussions with VDMA members' branches in Turkey and with Turkish mechanical engineering companies as well as the second meeting of VDMA members in Istanbul.
In December 2024, the EU bodies agree to postpone the start of implementation by 1 year.
On September 13, 2024, the Biden Administration released the final version of its four-year review of Section 301 tariffs, which includes sweeping tariff hikes on selected Chinese goods.
VDMA hopes for a breakthrough: a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Indonesia can significantly advance the European mechanical engineering industry in Southeast Asia.
The deforestation regulation forces us to act.
VDMA NRW is adjusting its production forecast for 2024 to minus 8 percent in real terms. At the beginning of the year, VDMA NRW was still forecasting a decline in production of 2% in real terms.
The "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) will be extended to numerous European countries from April 2025. The application is possible from 5 March 2025.
India wants to become a major economic power. The government is promoting growth with numerous measures. But locally, the paths to new business can be tortuous.
The discussion about "De-risking China" is in full swing in our industry. India is increasingly coming into focus as a growth market with high economies of scale.
The Mercosur states are on the move and Europe can benefit from this. That is why the EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur must finally come into force.
For the first time in months, orders only fell in single digits in July. However, this does not yet mean a turnaround; there is a lack of impetus for new investments worldwide.
In July 2024, incoming orders in the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector were 10 per cent down on the previous year.
The supply of medical technology and a good supply is an important concern in the vast majority of countries worldwide. But this article sheds light on which markets are particularly interesting from the suppliers' point of view.
In June, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 4.1% in Germany and by 5.9% abroad.
The June statistics on new orders for machinery in Japan showed that new orders from the "private sector (excluding ships and electricity)" increased by 2.1% month-on-month to 876.1 billion yen (5.4 billion euros).
Donald Trump has promised to impose new tariffs on all European imports. This and other trade policy promises are set out in an exclusive publication for members.
Since 1 July 2024 work assignments in the Czech Republic must be reported via an online reporting platform. The procedure is complex and many rules are still unclear.
Mechanical engineering recorded a nominal decline in exports of 4.8% in the first half of 2024. Weak demand from Europe and China in particular weighed on exports.
In May, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by a double-digit 19.1% in Germany and by 8.4% abroad.
Which trade fairs are of particular importance for medical technology and health tech in Germany? And at which events is the VDMA active?
Japan's real GDP growth for the second quarter (April-June) was 0.8%, converted at an annual rate of 3.1%.
New opportunities for companies, investors, and individuals will emerge in Brazil and abroad as the H2 policy promotes economic development, environmental protection, energy security, and international cooperation.
Just because of their western influence, Americans seem culturally close to us Germans. But the reality is more complicated. Where are the differences, what needs to be considered?
Domestic orders for Saarland mechanical engineering companies fell for the fifth consecutive month in May by 7.2%, resulting in a decline of 9.2% for the first five months.
The eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector closed the first half of 2024 with a disappointing order intake. The balance from January to June is also negative compared to the previous year.
There are no signs of a turnaround in incoming orders. Orders fell significantly in June and also with a view to the first half of 2024. Germany and the euro countries in particular are weakening.
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector in June 2024 were 15% down on the previous year.
Together with other trade associations, the VDMA has signed a joint declaration on the GDPR in which we call for the risk-based approach to be reaffirmed.
We have further expanded our data offering for the USA: The new economic indicators dashboard for the USA now also includes detailed price statistics.
High uncertainty weighs on demand for capital goods.
China's mechanical engineering industry continues to catch up, products from the Far East are improving and are almost always cheaper. But China's industry is also benefiting from subsidies across the board. Results of a new VDMA study.
In April, incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse rose by 6.2% across the board. This is the first increase since October 2022.
For the first time, experts from Austrian VDMA members met for an "Exchange of experience on export financing for mechanical and plant engineering. OeKB export guarantees in practice" in Linz in June 2024.
The mood in the mechanical engineering sector has deteriorated, even with a view to the year as a whole. According to the VDMA economic survey, investments will not increase again until 2025.
Chinese companies now have a global presence and dominate some global markets
Domestic orders for mechanical engineering companies in Saarland fell for the fourth consecutive month in April by 2.0%, resulting in a decline of 9.6% for Q1 2024 (see table 1 and chart).
According to our first VDMA-wide economic survey, the mechanical and plant engineering sector in the four northern German states of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein is largely expecting the business situation to remain stable.
Applicants from NRW must in future submit their application to the Visa Center in Frankfurt am Main
There is a growing tendency not to include full tariff liberalization in EU Free Trade Agreements. This is unacceptable for the machinery sector.
Incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate saw a double-digit increase of 14.1% in April 2024. At 12.1%, foreign orders grew less strongly than domestic orders at 18.4%.
In May, orders in the mechanical engineering sector were 27% below the previous year's figure in real terms. A large part of the decline can be attributed to a base effect, but the result also reflects a continuing weakness in investment.
In May 2024, incoming orders in the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector fell 45% short of the previous year's result.
Like other proactive activities, assembly assignments in Poland are subject to Polish reporting obligations. What needs to be considered in the reporting procedure?
The resistance to the planned expansion of the 'no-Russia clauses' in the EU sanctions was right. If there is a 'no-Russia clause' at all, then it should be designed differently.
In Brazil, the law on accelerated depreciation for the modernization of industry has come into force. Until the end of 2025, companies will be encouraged to purchase new machinery and equipment with tax benefits.
The EU-Commission has announced that it has launched dispute settlement proceedings against Algeria in order to take action against restrictions on exports and investments from the EU. VDMA supports this.
At the invitation of Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, a Baden-Württemberg delegation of company and association representatives as well as scientists traveled to Morocco for the first time in 40 years (!)
The debate about Germany as a business location is making waves. VDMA President Karl Haeusgen analyzes in "Ifo Schnelldienst" why the country is falling behind in the international rankings and what measures can help.
Major effort required to implement the CO2 border adjustment mechanism
China's government is now called upon to prevent a trade war with the EU before the new tariffs come into force. European industry finally needs a level playing field.
The long-standing cooperation with the VDMA has been adapted, which continues to offer exclusive special conditions for members and a regional extension to Italy, Austria and Poland.
After one and a half years of continuous declines, orders in mechanical and plant engineering from Germany grew again for the first time in April. Compared to the previous year, there was an increase of 10 percent in real terms.
In March 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 12% higher than in the previous year.
In February 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 3% down on the previous year.
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector in January 2024 fell 16% short of the previous year's result.
China still requires an official PU invitation for certain countries of origin.
Russia is trying by all means to covertly procure sanctioned goods in the EU. This creates a risk of unintentionally becoming involved in sanctions violations. VDMA Foreign Trade provides tips on how to react to this.
In December 2023, incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector fell short of the previous year's level by 25% on a price-adjusted basis.
The VDMA NRW expects sales to fall by 4% in real terms in 2024. This forecast reflects the negative trend in demand over the past year.
In November 2023, demand for machinery and equipment from North Rhine-Westphalia was down 19% year-on-year in real terms
The popular publication series is being expanded to include tips for business success in the United States. The exclusive publication for VDMA members is now available.
NRW's mechanical and plant engineering sector is not only suffering from the effects of global challenges, but also from the implementation of EU regulations, excessive bureaucracy and a lack of planning security.
Salary benchmarks for selected professional positions in Chinese mechanical engineering - exclusively for members
China has developed rapidly and, as a result, undergone considerable change. This has an impact on the economic and political environment to which the machinery and plant engineering industry cannot close its eyes.
VDMA study shows need for catching up (or pent-up demand) for German financing offers
Order situation is lukewarm, investment plans are at a standstill. USA continues to be the driving force, while China disappoints.
Virtual event formats were prevalent during the pandemic. Virtual trade shows have failed, but many obvious impacts on trade shows have not.
Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provides a monthly overview of publications relevant to mechanical engineering on Africa exclusively for VDMA members.
Production development is a key indicator in economic analysis. It shows the current performance of an industry. Forecasts are also often made with regard to production. VDMA economists therefore always keep a close eye on this indicator.
The African continent offers great opportunities for European industry. Politicians have so far focused too much on classic development aid, leaving too much room and influence to Chinese competitors.
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