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.
The mechanical engineering industry in Brazil will benefit from the simplification of certificates of origin through self-certification in Mercosur.
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.
Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year
The USA is an important market for the German mechanical engineering industry. Despite protectionist tendencies, the dynamic remains positive; with the potential of headwinds. The VDMA calls for close EU-US relations and rejects tariffs.
The EU Commission has published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for the year 2025. There are only a few changes for mechanical engineering.
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.
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.
VDMA met with MEPs to promote free trade. VDMA emphasized the importance of Free Trade Agreements for our industry.
India is an important growth market for the European mechanical engineering industry. At the same time, India is one of the last high-duty countries in the mechanical engineering sector. A free trade agreement is therefore urgently needed.
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.
The topic of free trade must be at the top of the EU agenda. However, Ursula von der Leyen's guiding political principles are disappointing in this respect: the conclusion of free trade agreements is not addressed. That is fatal.
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.
