Markets & Economy - vdma.org

The new Chinese export controls on rare earths and some products made from them are increasingly becoming a massive problem. China cannot keep up with issuing the export licenses that are now required.

We always report on changes to major embargoes or embargo changes with significant relevance for mechanical and plant engineering at short notice. Here is an overview of less relevant embargo changes since January 2025.

The tabular VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes" makes it easy to find out which countries are currently subject to EU embargo measures and what the current status of the embargo texts is.

Incoming orders for machine tools from China rose by 27.9% (YoY) to 34 billion yen in April, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth. The lively investment activity of local manufacturers continues.

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector fell by 6% in real terms in April compared to the previous year. An expected setback, given the uncertainty caused by US tariff policy.

In many countries, machine production developed better than expected in the first few months of the year.

The global business situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains mixed. While India and Brazil are impressing with good figures, China is struggling with structural challenges. The USA is characterized by the latest tariff policy.

With effect from May 29, 2025, the EU has largely, but not completely, lifted its sanctions against Syria. This is in response to the change in US policy towards Syria announced by President Trump in Saudi Arabia.

The obligation to comply with energy efficiency standards for newly established data centers is being discussed.

The EU-Commission has presented a Single Market strategy and focuses on removing the 10 most harmful obstacles, including barriers to the posting of workers.

This article provides an overview of the wide range of support available to German companies wishing to enter the African market. The overview is updated regularly, but does not claim to be exhaustive.

How well do you know the VDMA statistics database? And how often do you use it? Join us on a half-hour tour and get to know our wide range of data.

Letters of credit or advance payment are not very attractive in a competitive environment. Credit insurance for payment terms is an alternative. These are also an entry into export financing.

The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.

The majority of mechanical engineering companies are increasingly uncertain about the US market. An agreement on tariffs between the EU and the USA is now needed quickly. For the benefit of both sides.

Global machinery turnover is expected to grow by 1% in real terms in 2025 compared with the previous year, with significant differences in regional dynamics.

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector in the 1st quarter and especially in March increased sharply. However, this is only temporary due to major orders from the chemical, marine machinery and telecommunications sectors.

The mechanical engineering sector started the year with a subdued export result. March at least showed a slight upward trend. However, the weaknesses in the Chinese and EU markets remain serious.

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.

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 EU-Commission launches public consultations on possible countermeasures in response to Trump's introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts from the EU.

The new Trump tariffs are not only raising costs for the machinery sector, but creating confusion and uncertainty among manufacturers that export to the United States.

The foreign trade department informs you about the latest developments in exports and supports you in accessing difficult markets. We support your international activities with offices worldwide and practical information.

In our quarterly report, we provide you with information on India's macroeconomic development, as well as detailed information on the manufacturing industry and individual sectors with a particular focus on machinery and equipment.

Budget 2025: Tech Industry bats for deeptech fund, tweaks in safe harbor rules ‘threshold

Organic fertilizer uses to add $2.6 billion (€2.298 billion) revenue: Indian Biogas Association

Budget may trigger consumption revival as purchasing power increase for middle class: FMCG Companies

India ready to collaborate openly to build inclusive global energy future: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas

Regierung will Notbremsung in großen Personenkraftwagen einführen

19,826 km roads constructed so far under Bharatmala: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways

The VDMA is filling two key positions: Dr. Johannes Gernandt will become the association's Chief Economist, replacing Dr. Ralph Wiechers. Oliver Richtberg becomes the new Head of Foreign Trade, succeeding Ulrich Ackermann.

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.

From 7-11th April Oliver Wack from VDMA Foreign Trade visited Japan. The main topic was to prepare VDMA President's Bertram Kawlath's visit to Japan in September.

Get an overview of the most important macroeconomic data for all countries in the world - including forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and information on the business environment.

The webinar on May 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is the first in a series of events organized by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), VDMA e.V. and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).

The Shanghai-Germany Manufacturing Industry Exchange Dialogue was held on April 1, 2025, at Hannover Messe, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government and VDMA.

"Navigate the Future of the 'Beverage' Industry" - drinktec Day & Press Conference is successfully held

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

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.

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.