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Markets & Economy
How is mechanical engineering developing in the age of global value chains? Where do your competitors come from? What support is available for market development? What regulations must be observed when exporting? What needs to be considered when deploying employees and regarding visas for foreign guests? Together we will find answers to your questions.

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In difficult economic times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personalised advice. Together, we find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies.

From our content

From our content
We guide you through the data jungle

The Economics and Statistics department provides you with all industry-relevant economic and market information. Benefit from our expertise and use our statistics as a basis for smart business decisions.

Successful abroad - Export topics

VDMA Foreign Trade supports you and your export business. We prepare topics relevant to mechanical engineering for you: up-to-date and easy to understand.

Analysis, assessments and options for action for business with China

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.

USA: Earnings as an interactive report

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.

New tariffs for trade in goods with the United States

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

Pure magic - Water trade fairs 2025

On the initiative of the VDMA Forum Process Technology, several water trade fairs have once again made it into the German government's foreign trade fair program in 2025. The destinations are not just in the east and the west.

Machinery exports still without recovery in February 2025

German machinery exports recorded a nominal decline of 7.7% in February 2025 compared to the same month last year (-9.4% in real terms).

Updated Info Sheet on Licensing to China Now Available

Intercompany license agreements between the parent company in Germany/Europe and the subsidiary in China are of considerable importance in practice.

Pure entertainment - trade fair year 2025 for oil, gas and petrochemicals

The trade fair year 2025 calls solution providers from the oil, gas and petrochemical industries to Baku, Tashkent, Milan and Abu Dhabi, among others. The program will be completed by privatly organised stands in Cairo and Beijing.

Global patent balance: mechanical engineering in a strong position

One third of national patent applications in Germany can be attributed to the technology field of mechanical and plant engineering. In hardly any other country is this proportion as high as in Germany.

VDMA continues to advocate for easier posting of workers

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.

New package of measures for export credit guarantees: how to use it!

We provide a download from Euler Hermes on the new possibilities of Hermes Cover. The file contains important details on company-related support.

Hermes Cover compensates for large amounts in 2024

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.

"Keep a clear head and avoid uncontrolled escalation"

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.

Improved sentiment in machinery industry is just a snapshot

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.

"Underdog Europe" - Escape to the future without the USA?

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.

High costs and bureaucracy hamper competitiveness

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.

"Tariffs cause damage on both sides of the Atlantic"

The blanket punitive tariffs announced by Donald Trump will harm producers and consumers in both regions - and will exacerbate rather than resolve trade conflicts.

An insight on the interim union budget 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.

Mechanical engineering benefits from international students

The number of international students in Germany is growing steadily. This is good news for mechanical engineering.

Surprising increase in orders in a persistently difficult environment

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.

Bulletin international

In January 2025, the EU machinery and equipment manufacturing sector recorded the smallest decline in production since September 2023.

Securing and financing exports with Hermes cover

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.

Hesitant economic recovery

Global machinery turnover fell by 1 percent in real terms in 2024. At this point in time, a small growth of 1 percent still seems possible in 2025.

Automotive sector - US tariff policy could lead to reduced production

The US government's tariff policy could result in a 4% drop in production by Japanese car manufacturers.

Exports to Africa and Middle East

How are exports to Africa and the Middle East developing? Which are the largest local markets, which product groups are most in demand and what are the most important supplier countries? In our theme publication you will find facts, figures and data on foreign trade with Africa and the Middle East from the perspective of the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

Mercosur production: certificate of origin to be simplified

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: Key Takeaways for the Machinery Industry

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.

Tariffs announced for cars and car parts

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 invest EUR 937 million in data centers

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 and the Effect to the Manufacturing Industry

Singapore’s Budget 2025 presents significant opportunities for businesses to reduce costs, invest in workforce development, and adopt digital innovations.

Malaysia and Singapore: Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

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.

ASEAN manufacturing PMI hits seven-month high in February

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.

Global machinery turnover 2024: declining again

As in the previous year, demand for capital goods was weak in 2024. Machinery and equipment worth an estimated 3.26 trillion euros was sold worldwide, 1.5% less than in 2023.

A new team for Sub-Saharan Africa at VDMA

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

Decline in incoming orders with highest order backlog in January

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.

Tariffs on steel and aluminum affect mechanical engineering

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.

Kazakhstan stays on course

Despite a slight decline in machinery exports to Kazakhstan in 2024, the German mechanical engineering industry remains confident

Machinery exports to ASEAN are not gaining momentum

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.

Meet the VDMA President and VDMA experts for a discussion

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.

"Defence capability is based on a strong industry"

Europe's defense industry needs efficient value chains for components and production technologies. The European mechanical and plant engineering industry will play a key role here.

Finally, clarity for assembly work in Switzerland

Registration procedures, procedure for work up to 90 days and wage calculation: VDMA info sheet provides practical tips for optimal planning of work assignments in Switzerland.

Ongoing weak demand characterizes 2024 in EU machinery industry

In 2024, price-adjusted production output in the EU mechanical and plant engineering sector contracted by 7 percent compared to the previous year.

Switzerland - New reporting platform for work assignments since March 17

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.

Brazil's machinery industry gets off to a very positive start in 2025

After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.

Bigger than ever before: the VDMA network at the Hannover Messe 2025

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.

USA Chart Pack: Facts and figures on the market

The United States is the largest export market and the most important location for the German mechanical engineering industry. The chart pack provides information on the structure and development of the machinery market.

Russia and Belarus: 16th EU sanctions package

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.

Quarterly report on mechanical engineering in China Q4 2024

The quarterly report "Machinery & Equipment in China" contains relevant key figures such as production, sales, profit and investment trends in the local mechanical engineering industry as well as important customer industries in China.

Agreement with India would strengthen industry in derisking from China

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.

VDMA Magazin Teaser Märkte und Konjunktur

India: Hungry for more
For years, India has been dreaming of becoming a world-class economy. Thanks to targeted reforms, the trend towards de-risking and the associated reorganization of global supply chains, this dream could soon become a reality.
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Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts
The statistically recordable world of mechanical and plant engineering - newly presented in interactive charts and tables. Find out about all the key economic figures for the industry and, in particular detail, about the development of the EU Single Market.
Economic Development & Business Situation
The economic cycle plays a significant role in almost every area of the economy. After all, it plays a key role in determining the well-being of companies and employees. In fact, it is particularly relevant in the mechanical engineering sector. After all, it plays a key role in determining the well-being of companies and employees in the mechanical engineering sector.
Statistics database
The VDMA statistics database offers all VDMA member companies fast and convenient access to economic information on all aspects of mechanical engineering. The use of the VDMA Order Intake and Sales Statistics Germany is exclusively reserved for those companies that participate in the survey.
Global markets
The world is changing fast - what was good practice yesterday may not be good practice tomorrow. The VDMA helps its members to keep track of the latest developments in global markets, customs, export financing, export controls and trade policy.
Work assignments in Europe
Regarding work assignments in Europe, three completely different topics - "reporting requirements", "social law: A1 certificate" and "labor law: posting of workers directive" - are increasingly moving into the spotlight.
The United States
The USA remains a key market for the German engineering sector. It is our biggest export market and investment location outside Europe. Local standards, complex tax laws and legal liability are just some of the challenges that new market entrants often have to deal with.
Europe and China
The perception of China in Germany and Europe has changed in recent years. Firstly, China is an important economic partner and also of significant importance for the German mechanical engineering sector. On the other hand, there is growing recognition at economic and political level in Germany and the European Union (EU) that the existing imbalance with China, for example in market access, is no longer acceptable.
International Business Travel
Globalization necessitates travel throughout the life cycle of a machine: Sales, commissioning, assembly and maintenance. For corporate travel management, this poses an organizational challenge: Do I need a visa, and if so, which type? Which documentation is required? Which regulations apply when posting workers within the EU?

Level 1 Themenwolke

Podigee

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Markets and Economy

"Europe would be well advised not to freeze like a rabbit in the face of this challenge, but to take the reins of action. The new president's 'America first' policy requires a united EU."

Bertram Kawlath, VDMA President

Auf den Punkt Zahl Markets and Economy

27.4

billion euros

In 2024, German companies supplied machinery and equipment to the value of 27.4 billion euros to the United States. That was 13.7 per cent of total German machinery exports. This makes the United States the most important export market for machinery from Germany.

Source: VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Märkte und Konjunktur

VDMA publication
Welcome to the VDMA statistics database
  • European companies often underestimate the costs and time involved in entering the US market.
  • The publication contains detailed information on topics such as the tax system, entry requirements, customs clearance, export control and contract management.
  • With its offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, the VDMA supports the interests of its members locally.

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Tue. 20.05.25 Tue. 20.05.25

exclusive

  • Labour Law
  • Posting of Workers
  • International Tax Law

Ask your questions about work assignments abroad and get in touch online with the VDMA Tax, Legal and Foreign Trade departments!

Places available

Tue. 08.07.25 Tue. 08.07.25

  • United States

Trump 2.0 – Six months into the second Trump presidency, Connect2Discover@VDMA provides an insight into the state of play and the impact on machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. We also present the services of the VDMA Foreign Trade Department.

Places available

Aus unseren Inhalten

Our services

Our services
VDMA Trade Fair Calendar 2025
With the trade fair calendar, we have been offering our members an orientation guide to the global range of trade fairs relevant to mechanical engineering worldwide for many years.
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts 2025
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts provides a comprehensive overview of all major figures and statistics relating to the mechanical engineering industry.

exclusive

Economic bulletin international
Our monthly bulletin provides periodic updates on economic trends in the international mechanical engineering sector.

exclusive

Germany Economic Bulletin
Data on the economic situation of the German mechanical and plant engineering industry in the current economic context

exclusive

VDMA flash survey
Machine and plant manufacturers are looking ahead to the year 2024 with a subdued mood. A reluctance to invest and hire new staff is noticeable due to the high level of uncertainty. The order backlog is melting for many.

exclusive

Germany Incoming orders
The monthly figures for incoming orders in the German mechanical engineering industry
Database of technical regulations
The VDMA Specifications reflect the technical specifications of the German mechanical engineering industry. The directory contains all VDMA Specifications that are currently valid and in preparation.
VDMA Foreign offices
Here you will find links and further information on the VDMA liaison offices located in particularly important foreign markets

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Institut für Weltwirtschaft Kiel
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German Economic Institute
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Leibniz-Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung
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gtai - Germany Trade & Invest

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Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.