Header-Märkte und Konjunktur

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.

Themenfeldgrafik Märkte und Konjuktur

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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.

Türkiye boom despite economic crisis?

Hyperinflation characterizes business life in Türkiye - but opens up market opportunities for component manufacturers in particular. Local companies face many challenges.

Benchmark study on export financing for sub-Saharan Africa published

VDMA study shows need for catching up (or pent-up demand) for German financing offers

Facts and figures: Research and innovation

In our theme publication you will find facts and figures on research and development, innovations and patents in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Facts and figures: Education and workforce in machinery and equipment manufacturing

In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

New publication: Tips for successful business in the USA

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.

VDMA trade fair stands in Germany and abroad 2024

In Germany, the VDMA organizes joint stands exclusively for its member companies. Abroad, there is the opportunity to exhibit at a "German Pavilion" / joint national stand.

Bulletin international

Customers' reluctance to invest and the reduction of inventories have caused machine production in key manufacturing countries to shrink for several months.

"Mercosur free trade agreement must be finalised now!"

Germany and the EU have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to cooperation with Brazil. The free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states, of which Brazil is the largest member, would be a major step forward for both regions.

Friendshoring: Trade Paradigm for a Contested Global Economy?

The US wants to reduce trade dependence on malign actors while reaching agreements with the EU and other trading partners with shared values. Does this signal a shift with implications for German industry?

Anti-dumping proceedings for materials handling technology from China

The EU Commission's Directorate-General for Trade is launching an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese manufacturers of materials handling. The investigation is based on price distortions identified on the Chinese raw materials market.

Bedeutung offener Märkte: AMBEG und VDMA im Dialog mit der Politik

Open markets are the lifeblood of medium-sized mechanical and plant engineering. But many hurdles make business difficult. The Berlin family business AMBEG shows the Green politician Audretsch concrete burdens on December 7th, 2023.

Global sideways trend

VDMA economists are forecasting price-adjusted stagnation in global machinery turnover for 2023 and 2024, while the picture remains very heterogeneous at the country level.

"A gift for non-European competitors"

The planned EU supply chain law would overburden small and medium-sized companies and would not help in the fight against child labor. The EU should learn from the experience with the German supply chain law and make its law more manageable.

Quarterly report on mechanical engineering in China Q3 2023

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

VDMA business climate survey in the BRIC countries - 2nd half of 2023

The business situation in India and Brazil remains positive. The companies surveyed there expect significant nominal sales growth in 2023 and 2024. In China, on the other hand, sentiment is at a historic low.

Work assignments Austria - Are all activities subject to registration?

The exceptions to the reporting obligation were explained at the VDMA web event

New hope for the broken-off negotiations between Switzerland and the EU

Switzerland wants to draw up a new negotiating mandate for trade talks with the EU by the end of the year

Do not leave Africa to the Chinese

Africa is a promising sales market for mechanical engineering. Economic cooperation must therefore be the focus of German and European policy, otherwise China will dominate the market.

VDMA info sheets EU reporting requirements

Work assignments in Europe: Which reporting requirements apply in which country? Information sheets as a practical working aid for VDMA members.

Two years of stagnation in global machinery

For 2023 and 2024, VDMA economists are forecasting price-adjusted global machinery turnover at the same level as 2022.

Export growth continues to slow

Although machinery exports from Germany still showed a slight nominal increase of 2 per cent in the third quarter, growth rates have slowed considerably over the course of the year.

Weak global economy weighs on machinery exports

The mechanical and plant engineering sector only recorded a slight nominal increase in exports in the third quarter of 2023. For the first three quarters, exports grew by 8.7% to just under 156 billion euros.

Norway becomes partner country of Hannover Messe 2024

The motto of Norway's appearance as partner country is: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition.

Young professionals around the world: Austria

Demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, unfilled training positions - these are currently predominant issues in Germany when it comes to recruiting employees. But what is it like in other countries? We asked around locally.

German-British business community defies weak economy

German companies active in the UK continue to perform well despite the relatively weak economic development. This is the result of the AHK Autumn Survey.

USA: Economic indicators

Economic analysis and corporate planning require valid data for the relevant markets. This includes values for incoming orders, sales and inventories. We now show the development of these key figures in the USA in an interactive report.

VDMA flash survey (20) - Results

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.

First VDMA Management Meeting on Process Tech, Oil & Gas held in Italy

20 Process Tech CEOs and Business Unit Directors form VDMA members in Italy and Germany participated in the first Italian-European Process Tech exchange meeting held on 21.11.2023 at AHK Italy / Camera di Commercio Italo-Germanica in Milan.

Mechanical engineering sector examines realignment of business in China

China is becoming an ever greater challenge for the machinery and plant engineering sector. Many companies are reviewing their strategy for the country. Greater diversification is being considered, as is more local production.

The dry spell continues 

Despite a number of major orders, order intake in September remains well down on the previous year. In total, the first 9 months of the year show a significant drop in orders.

Apprenticeship at a glance

How many apprenticeship positions are available in machinery and equipment manufacturing this year? How many applicants are there? How have supply and demand for the most important professions developed in recent years? Get all the information at a glance here.

VDMA USA

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is represented at two locations in the USA: While the Washington office serves as a voice for the industry, the Chicago office serves VDMA members and their subsidiaries locally.

"Final failure would be devastating!"

A failure of the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Australia would be a devastating signal. After all, export-oriented industry in Europe needs clear signals for more free trade right now.

Climate policy for Hermes cover relies on EU taxonomy

The climate policy for Hermes cover has been in force since November 1, 2023. The VDMA had sharply criticized the concept in the consultation.

Nearshoring still in demand in Central and Eastern Europe

Particularly attractive sourcing opportunities exist in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Salary Report China

Salary benchmarks for selected professional positions in Chinese mechanical engineering - exclusively for members

Embrace and threaten - China's economic strategy

Partner, competitor and system rival: China's role has changed dramatically. While still enormously important as a sales market, Beijing is at the same time making clear its claim to determine the rules of global trade.

"Europe must finally deliver!"

The EU's Global Gateway Initiative has the potential to become a real alternative to the New Silk Road. However, what is necessary for this is the willingness of the EU to participate in the financing of infrastructure projects in the Global South.

"Finally eliminate transatlantic trade barriers"

The EU and the US must quickly resolve their trade disputes. Long-term solutions are needed in the tariff dispute and on the issue of conformity assessments. Industries on both sides of the Atlantic would benefit from this.

German Pavilion at EGYPES

For the leading trade fair in the oil, gas and petrochemical sector, there will again be a German Pavilion of the Ministry of Economics in 2024. The exhibition program has been expanded to include the energy sector.

Electronic registration for German Pavilions

Registration for German Pavilions organised by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs can now be made online. A one-time accreditation is required.

Machinery and plant engineering has a big stake in India

India's importance for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry is increasing all the time. Exports are growing and numerous companies, including those from Germany, are expanding their involvement in the country. The VDMA is counting on a free trade agreement between the EU and India.

Machinery manufacturers met Austrian export control authority

VDMA Austria invited with VDMA foreign trade law expert RA Klaus Friedrich to exchange experiences on export control and sanctions in Vienna

Trend of falling orders continues

The trend of declining orders in the machinery and plant engineering sector continued in August. Overall, orders fell by 21 percent in real terms.

"New export promotion rules are disservice to climate protection"

Export credit guarantees are to be linked to strict climate policy requirements. This will lead to considerable disadvantages for German exporters. The climate policy sector guidelines must therefore not enter into force on October 1.

Supply chains of the future - increasing resilience

VDMA Foreign Trade offers sourcing events with different regional focuses

"Chinese Customers Often Have Special Requirements"

How are imports and exports from and to China developing? How can European machine builders maintain their market position in view of technological developments in China? Daniel Yoo, office manager VDMA-Shanghai, provides information.

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.
Export Topics
The VDMA provides support on the most important export-related issues, such as customs, export financing and export control. We also monitor and accompany developments in global trade policy.
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.
Market development
The engineering markets are constantly on the move worldwide. It is difficult to keep track of everything. The VDMA therefore provides information on current developments as well as on interesting events and trade fairs, advises its members and offers a comprehensive network for market entry analyses.
Market observation & information
Comprehensive information on markets is essential for sustainably and successfully conducting foreign trade. A broad collection of data is just as important as the experience gained through on-site activities, which benefits all members thanks to the VDMA's well established network.
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.
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?
VDMA Infoportal Ukraine War
The machinery and plant engineering sector condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The VDMA supporta its member companies in word and deed in order to master the many challenges that are arising.
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.
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.

Level 1 Themenwolke

Podigee

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Markets and Economy

"The consequences of high inflation and uncertainty caused by wars and other geopolitical upheavals are more or less evident in all markets."

Dr. Ralph Wiechers, VDMA Chief Economist

Auf den Punkt Zahl Markets and Economy

76

per cent

of VDMA member companies see the reduction of bureaucracy as urgent

Source: VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Märkte und Konjunktur

Summary
International forecasts available
  • International forecasts available 2024
  • Geopolitical risks and wars, inflation and higher borrowing costs weigh on investor sentiment
  • Stagnation in global machine turnover in 2023 and 2024
  • Heterogeneous picture at country level

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Unsere Leistungen

Unsere Leistungen
VDMA Trade Fair Calendar 2024
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 2023
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts provides a comprehensive overview of all major figures and statistics relating to the mechanical engineering industry.

exklusiv

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

exklusiv

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

exklusiv

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.

exklusiv

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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Committees

Asset Publisher

VDMA partners

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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.