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.
The new Indian Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order affects packaging machines, filling machines and machines for thermal processes and separation technology, among other things.
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.
The VDMA informs its members twice a year about the development of the chemical industry in Brazil, China, France, Turkey, the USA and the United Kingdom.
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.
"Navigate the Future of the 'Beverage' Industry" - drinktec Day & Press Conference is successfully held
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.
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.
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.
For the orientation of VDMA member companies, the German Engineering Federation has created a new data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with Brazil.
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
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.
After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.
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.
The EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus has been somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding US President Trump. But there are new risks and details that VDMA members have to deal with.
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.
English newsletter service of the Foreign Trade Department for VDMA members: The most important information at a glance. Subscribe now!
The study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.
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.
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).
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.
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.
For many years, our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members.
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.
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.
Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.
We have further expanded our data offering for the USA: The new economic indicators dashboard for the USA now also includes detailed price statistics.
Uzbekistan's economy will grow by at least 5 percent over the next few years. Development programs and reforms are ensuring progress.
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 German exhibitors at this year's Kitchen and Bath trade fair in Shanghai have drawn a positive conclusion. The trade fair once again attracted many visitors from China.
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.
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.
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
Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provides a monthly overview of publications relevant to mechanical engineering on Africa exclusively for VDMA members.
Africa is in the focus of politics and offers the economy many opportunities. In order for German interests and companies to survive in competition with China, among others, the VDMA is calling for adjustments from policymakers.
The publication provides an overview of CECE's activities. It shows the topics with which the CECE is involved at European and international level.
