Global markets - vdma.org

29 mandatory standards/Amendments and 297 voluntary standards/Amendments were approved in the past two months.

A series of mandatory standard drafts are released for comments.

2025 Chinese Legislative Work Plan was released. The Product Quality Law was not listed.

The Chinese Administrative Measures for the Adoption of International Standards has been revised to promote the adoption of international standards.

The first humanoid robot certification in China is underway.

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.

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 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

Planned investment of around Rs.50,000 crore (€ 5.22 billion) over next five years of inland waterways: Union Port, Shipping, and Waterways

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.

From August 28, 2025, many products in India will require a market access mark. The VDMA India webinar with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides an overview.

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.

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.

11 mandatory standards and 557 voluntary standards were approved in the past two months.

A series of mandatory standard drafts are released for comments.

The General Implementation Rule for China Product Carbon Footprint Labeling Certification (Trial) was released in March.

China's mandatory standard reform has shown results. Take the mandatory standard for woodworking machinery as an example.