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.
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.
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.
In turbulent times, good trade relations are just as important as innovation. With the guest country Canada and the focus on the use of artificial intelligence in production, Hannover Messe 2025 has set the right signals.
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.
VDMA has conducted an initial analysis of the Mercosur agreement. This Free Trade Agreement is an important signal against isolationism and in favor of open markets in the current tense geopolitical situation.
For the 15th time, VDMA organised the European Policy Reception together with Deutsche Messe. This year, one thing is clear: everything revolves around how to deal with US President Trump, because a trade war benefits no one.
Europe and its close relations with host country Canada shaped the opening of Hannover Messe 2025. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath emphasized the strengths of both partners.
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.
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.
President Trump is calling for reciprocal trade and tariffs – what impact might this have on machinery and equipment manufacturers and transatlantic trade?
The EU Commission has launched a survey on the provision of construction and installation services. Take part!
The US tariffs for Canada and Mexico also affect the mechanical engineering industry - and its American customers. Quick negotiations are needed to get the tariffs off the table.
Less bureaucracy, a maximum tax rate of 25% and an efficient infrastructure are essential to ensure competitiveness. Germany will only remain a strong industrial location through bold reforms.
VDMA welcomes the announcement by the EU and Malaysia to resume their trade negotiations. Tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the machinery sector could then be removed.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final rules that prohibit the sale or import of vehicles equipped with hardware or software associated with Chinese or Russian-controlled entities.
Donald Trump's economic program could be a test of strength for Europe. This makes it all the more important that the EU now acts as one, especially on trade issues.
Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year
The European single market urgently needs reforms to improve and deepen it. Small and medium-sized companies are particularly dependent on this.
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 VDMA Dubai meeting was characterized by a positive mood - driven by current business as well as business expectations. Nevertheless, there are challenges.
The EU Commission agrees to postpone the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.
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.
The U.S. government has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit the importation of vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian hardware or software.
Donald Trump's second term in office will be a greater challenge for the mechanical engineering industry than his first presidency. The USA remains an attractive market, but Trump's tariff plans will have a noticeable impact on trade.
Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.
The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule restricting certain investments in the Chinese semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence sectors.
This overview highlights the key differences and similarities between the trade policy of the two U.S. presidential candidates.
VDMA met with MEPs to promote free trade. VDMA emphasized the importance of Free Trade Agreements for our industry.
The four states of the European Free Trade Association and India have signed a trade and economic partnership agreement. If they can do it, why can't the EU?
The EU Commission proposes postponement of the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.
The tougher the dispute between the USA and China becomes in global trade, the greater the pressure on Europe. What will industries have to face if rules-based trade is pushed aside?
The EU rightly wants to put the structure of its budget to the test. Scarce resources must be managed efficiently, innovation and competitiveness must be at the top of the agenda.
In this exclusive publication, we present Kamala Harris’s trade policy agenda and provide an assessment of the potential impact on machinery and equipment manufacturers.
The "Draghi Report" rightly emphasizes how important economic success is for Europe. Open markets and free trade in particular are essential for companies.
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.
Donald Trump has won the US presidential election and will become president again in January 2025. A VDMA analysis looks at the potential impact on trade policy.
Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.
The old and new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. This is the right approach, but she lacks a commitment to free trade.
China's mechanical engineering industry continues to catch up, products from the Far East are improving and are almost always cheaper. But China's industry is also benefiting from subsidies across the board. Results of a new VDMA study.
There is a growing tendency not to include full tariff liberalization in EU Free Trade Agreements. This is unacceptable for the machinery sector.
Innovative mechanical engineering must be able to classify itself as sustainable in the EU taxonomy. This requires clarity and legal certainty, which has not yet been provided.
The EU-Commission has announced that it has launched dispute settlement proceedings against Algeria in order to take action against restrictions on exports and investments from the EU. VDMA supports this.
In the transition to the EU Supply Chain Directive, the German Supply Chain Act should be suspended. Germany must not get bogged down in the minutiae of measures.
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.
Africa is in the focus of politics and offers the economy many opportunities. In order for German interests and companies to survive in competition with China, among others, the VDMA is calling for adjustments from policymakers.
