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).
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.
In March, incoming orders in the food processing and packaging machinery sector rose by 15% in real terms compared to the weak previous year's figure. Domestic orders rose by 30% and orders from abroad by 12%.
Incoming orders and sales in the process engineering sector develop negatively in March Incoming orders: slightly down / turnover: very clearly down on the same month last year.
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 Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector recorded an increase of 36% in real terms compared to the previous year.
In March 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 22% down on the previous year.
The first quarter of 2025 resulted in an overall increase in orders of 4% - the first positive quarterly balance of orders in three years. March also closed with a pleasing increase in orders of 4%.
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.
Sales up, incoming orders not picking up.
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.
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).
In February, incoming orders in the food processing and packaging machinery sector fell by 11% in real terms compared to the previous year. Domestic orders rose by 3%, while orders from abroad fell by 13%.
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.
Baden-Württemberg's mechanical and plant engineering sector recorded a 5% increase in orders in real terms in February 2025 compared to the same month last year.
In February 2025, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector recorded a year-on-year increase of 7% in real terms
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.
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).
No recovery at the start of the year - order intake continues to decline, sales develop positively.
Incoming orders in the food processing and packaging machinery sector fell by 3% in real terms in January compared to the previous year. There were different developments in the sub-sectors.
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.
After three months of growth, foreign orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Hesse fell again slightly by 0.8 percent in December.
The start of the year brought a significant increase in orders for the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector.
The weakness in orders in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical engineering sector continues into the new year.
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.
Despite strong international business in December - the year 2024 closes with a minus, as feared
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.
In December 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 10% higher than in the previous year.
The end of the year brought a slight increase in orders for the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector. For 2024 as a whole, however, the industry had to face a decline in orders of 7 percent in real terms.
The year 2024 ended with a bitter blow for the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector. The significant drop in December put additional pressure on the already weak annual balance sheet.
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.
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.
Stagnation at a low level: The September phenomenon did not bring the hoped-for turnaround.
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.
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.
The increase in orders in October was only enough for the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector to breathe a brief sigh of relief - orders slipped back into negative territory in November 2024 compared to the same month last year.
In November 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector fell by 8% in real terms compared to the previous year
The weak order situation in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical engineering sector continues in November.
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.
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.
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.
In October 2024, orders in the process engineering sector were significantly lower than in the previous year. Turnover, on the other hand, exceeded the previous year's figure.
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.
Tentative breath of fresh air in eastern German mechanical and plant engineering. At the start of the fourth quarter of 2024, both domestic and foreign customers placed more orders than in the same month last year.
Incoming orders in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical engineering sector remained weak in October.
Incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector fell by 16% in real terms in October 2024 compared to the previous year.
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.
After the very weak economy in 2024, hopes are pinned on markets picking up in 2025 / Politicians must set business-friendly framework conditions
Again and again in September: very significant swings - resulting from large-scale plant business - have had an impact on the year-to-date order intake and turnover in the process engineering sector.
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 order situation in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical engineering sector deteriorated again in September.
Customers continue to invest with the handbrake on. In September 2024, incoming orders in the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector therefore remained significantly below the previous year's level.
In September 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector increased by 20% in real terms compared to the previous year. While domestic business decreased by 14%, foreign business increased by 30%.
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.
The situation remains tense, even though incoming orders increased in August compared to the (weak) same month last year. However, turnover fell by the same amount compared to August 2023.
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).
The mechanical and plant engineering industry in Baden-Württemberg is facing a number of pressing challenges.
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.
Incoming orders in Baden-Württemberg's mechanical and plant engineering sector recorded a real double-digit increase of 16% in August.
In August 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector fell by 8% in real terms compared to the previous year
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 German food machinery and packaging machinery industry increased its exports by 4 percent in the first half of 2024. In 2023, exports rose by 9 percent to 9.9 billion euros - a new record.
The situation remains critical: in July, orders in the Process Engineering sector were once again significantly lower than in the same month last year. Turnover increased slightly compared to June 2023.
In July, Baden-Württemberg's mechanical and plant engineering sector recorded a double-digit increase in orders from abroad and a double-digit decrease in orders from Germany.
In July 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector remained at the previous year's level. Domestic business recorded an increase of 1% in real terms. Foreign business decreased by 1 percent.
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.
Incoming orders in the eastern German mechanical and plant engineering sector increased in July 2024 compared to the same month last year. However, there are clear differences between domestic and foreign orders.
In July 2024, incoming orders in the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector were 10 per cent down on the previous year.
In June, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by 4.1% in Germany and by 5.9% abroad.
In June, there was a double-digit decline of 21.5% in incoming orders from the domestic mechanical engineering sector in Hesse, a correction to the good result of the previous month, which had special effects with growth of 42%.
In May, incoming orders for mechanical engineering in Rhineland-Palatinate fell by a double-digit 19.1% in Germany and by 8.4% abroad.
Things are starting to get dramatic: in June, orders in the Process Engineering sector were also significantly lower than in the same month last year. Turnover also fell sharply compared to June 2023.
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 mechanical and plant engineering sector in Baden-Württemberg recorded a further decline in incoming orders in June.
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.
Incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector remained at the previous year's level in June 2024. Domestic business recorded a decline of 2%. Foreign business improved by 1 percent.
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.
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.
That hurts: in May, orders in the process engineering sector were also significantly lower than in the same month last year. Only the increase in turnover compared to May 2023 is positive.
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).
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 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector were down 11% year-on-year in real terms
After an increase in orders in April, Baden-Württemberg's mechanical and plant engineering industry suffered another setback in May.
In May 2024, eastern German mechanical engineering customers ordered significantly fewer goods than in the same month last year.
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.
This year's summer Executive Board Meeting took place on 29 May at the invitation of Maschinenfabrik Köppern GmbH & Co. KG. One of the items on the agenda was the renaming of the trade association to Mining & Minerals.
In 2023, the production of food processing and packaging machinery increased by 5% to 16.5 billion euros. This means that the fifth-largest mechanical engineering sector exceeded the 16 billion euro mark for the first time and reached a record level.
Similar picture to March: Order intake and sales in the process engineering sector developed differently in April. Incoming orders down significantly, sales up compared to the same month last year.
After one and a half years of continuous decline, orders for machinery and equipment in Baden-Württemberg have grown again for the first time.
In April 2024, incoming orders in the Bavarian mechanical and plant engineering sector were up 15% year-on-year in real terms.
In April 2024, eastern German mechanical engineering companies registered more orders than in the same month last year. This was mainly due to demand from foreign customers.
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 April 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia exceeded the previous year's figure by 22% 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.
In January 2024, incoming orders for the process engineering sector were down on the same month of the previous year, while sales recorded a very significant increase.
Incoming orders in North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector in January 2024 fell 16% short of the previous year's result.
For the month of December 2023, the process engineering sector recorded an increase in incoming orders and a sharp drop in turnover compared to the same month of the previous year.
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.
In November 2023, demand for machinery and equipment from North Rhine-Westphalia was down 19% year-on-year in real terms
Order intake in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia in September 2023 fell short of its prior-year result by 45 percent in real terms.
Order situation is lukewarm, investment plans are at a standstill. USA continues to be the driving force, while China disappoints.
On a monthly basis, our economic update gives a brief overview of the ecomomic situation of the construction equipment industry, e.g. order income, turnover, business climate and trade figures.