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.

Welcome to VDMA Foreign Trade!

The VDMA Foreign Trade team supports VDMA member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering. We provide you with practical support in all matters relating to foreign business.

Update: Interactive Macro Facts Report now with new data

This web report provides 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. In April, the application received a major data update.

VDMA flash survey on material bottlenecks, energy supply and outlook 2023

The majority of companies are cautiously optimistic about the current year. Supply chains are relaxing, but the supply of electronic components remains challenging. And the persistent shortage of skilled workers is also an obstacle for many companies.

New: European business climate indicators as interactive report

Stay successful in a volatile market: VDMA offers an interactive report on European business climate indicators. Follow the developments of your most important European target markets and customer industries at a glance and make informed decisions based on current data.

Federal Minister of Economics Habeck travels to India

Federal Minister of Economics Habeck will travel to India from July 19-22, 2023 accompanied by a business delegation.

VDMA Business Climate Survey in the BRIC Countries - 1st Half 2023

In India, the business situation continues to be assessed as good, in Brazil it has deteriorated somewhat from a high level, and in China the situation is worse than in the fall of 2022 despite the discontinuation of the Corona measures, according to the latest VDMA business climate survey in these foreign markets.

Key figures of foreign subsidiaries

Our new interactive report on foreign affiliates provides information on the number of subsidiaries as well as their employees and turnover - by EU reporting country and by industry. Get an insight into the investment structure of your target markets.

CBAM - CO2 border adjustment system is on its way

The EU Commission has launched the CO2 border adjustment system with Regulation EU 956/2023.

Russia places Uniper subsidiary under external management

Russian government creates legal basis for foreign management of Western companies and lays foundation for expropriations.

First IRA Guidance on Local Content Published

U.S. Department of Treasury clarifies important interpretational boundaries of the IRA local content bonus.

Platform Reconstruction Ukraine

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is initiating a new "Platform Reconstruction Ukraine". What are the next steps?

In the first quarter, machinery exports from Germany rose by 13.8 percent year-on-year in nominal terms to 51.3 billion euros.

In the first quarter, machinery exports from Germany rose by 13.8 percent year-on-year in nominal terms to 51.3 billion euros.

Excess profits tax for companies in Russia is coming

The so-called "windfall" tax is a one-time crisis measure to support the Russian budget.

Delegation Green Gases Italy - express your interest now!

From November 6 - 10, 2023, a BMWK delegation will visit Italy's gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries to exchange ideas on supply security and climate-neutral solutions. Visits and presentations to top EPCs and industry companies in Milan, Ravenna and Porto Marghera are planned.

VDMA Calls on EU and U.S. to Permanently End Steel and Aluminum Trade Dispute

The EU and U.S. should finally bury the hatchet on this half-decade-long trade dispute that has triggered uncertainty and increased costs for manufacturers in both markets.

Quarterly Report Mechanical Engineering in China Q1 2023

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

International bulletin

An above-average order backlog is currently cushioning the weakening demand for capital goods at numerous companies. In Japan, however, the average quarterly result for the sector was negative.

Small ray of hope

In March, the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany recorded a real decline in orders of 6 percent. A small ray of hope after several months of double-digit declines, but not yet a turnaround.

A deep insight into the numerical world of mechanical engineering

Mechanical and plant engineering is one of the world's most important industrial sectors. We show the wide range of its economic indicators - presented in interactive charts and tables.

OECD consensus is modernized - flexible credit conditions for export financing

Modernization brings a game-changer for large projects and benefits for medium-sized export projects.

Nearshoring Partner Bulgaria

Bilateral business forum on June 29 in Burgas

9th Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans on October 11 & 12, 2023 in Cologne, Germany

Find new suppliers and solve supply chain problems - at the 9th Purchasing Initiative Western Balkans in Cologne you will have the opportunity to do so!

Germany: Forecast report mechanical engineering - April 2023

VDMA confirms real production forecast of minus two percent for 2023

"Embrace industrial competition, hold necessary debates, make decisions quickly"

The mechanical and plant engineering sector is demanding clear statements from politicians on how to secure and strengthen Germany and Europe as industrial locations. The necessary location debate requires great openness, and the path to 2035 must be designed in a way that promotes industry and small and medium-sized businesses.

Labor market survey: severe shortages of skilled workers

A survey of VDMA members revealed that almost all companies are currently observing bottlenecks on the labor market for skilled workers. The survey was conducted in March 2023 with the participation of almost 600 people.

Profit and Challenge for Europe's Mechanical Engineering Industry

China has continuously expanded its position in global mechanical engineering in recent years. In many areas of mechanical engineering, Chinese manufacturers are the biggest competitors on international markets. Since 2020, China has even been the world export champion in mechanical engineering, displacing Germany into second place.

Orders remain restrained

Customers in the mechanical and plant engineering sector were again reluctant to place orders in February. Order intake fell by 17 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. In addition to numerous uncertainty factors, a base effect from February 2022 must be taken into account. At that time, there were an enormous number of orders.

EU needs China policy with a sense of proportion

Clear words on China's economic policy are needed when EU Commission President von der Leyen travels to China. At the same time, the EU's China policy needs a sense of proportion in order to develop dialogue and trade in line with the times.

Western Balkans - Region moves into focus

Economically, the Western Balkans are already closely intertwined with the EU. For German companies, the region is an interesting sales and procurement market.

Indonesia: Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE 2023

This year Indonesia is the Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and by far the largest economy in Southeast Asia.

Europe is on Eye Level Again, but America is Still First

Now that Joe Biden has been President for two years, trade relations between the United States and the E.U. have improved markedly. Or have they?

Outlook cautiously optimistic - supply chains relaxing noticeably

The majority of companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector are cautiously optimistic about 2023 and expect nominal turnover growth. The situation appears to be gradually brightening for supply chains. However, there are still serious bottlenecks in the supply of electronic components.

Apprenticeship at a glance

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

Global machinery and equipment manufacturing to remain on growth track in 2023

The VDMA economists forecast price-adjusted turnover growth of 1 percent for the global machinery and equipment manufacturing industry in 2023. However, turnover will decline in the EU-27 and the USA.

Intensify cooperation with Japan

Germany and the EU are called upon to intensify cooperation with allies like Japan. There is still considerable potential for mechanical and plant engineering in Japan.

Global machinery turnover in 2022: New record level

In 2022, machinery and equipment sold worldwide was worth almost 3.4 trillion euros. In euro terms, this is around 12 percent more than a year earlier. In the TOP 10 country ranking, there were changes from seventh place onwards.

Mercosur agreement must finally be implemented!

The EU is competing with China and the USA for market access in the Mercosur countries. The EU's free trade agreement with Mercosur, which has already been agreed, is a great opportunity for both regions.

The challenge of securing skilled labor

Advancing digitalization, the development of climate-friendly technologies and the mobility revolution - the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry is facing enormous challenges. Securing the availability of skilled workers is becoming a mammoth task.

Latin America Chart Pack: Market Facts and Figures

Latin America is gradually recovering after the pandemic triggered a deep slump in GDP and also in machinery demand. The chart pack offers facts and figures on the market.

Indonesia between free trade and protectionism

There are many reasons for European companies to think about diversification of supply chains, production sites and sales markets. Indonesia is increasingly coming into focus in the machinery and plant engineering sector.

Networking events for members

Overview - Events on the topic of reporting obligations for work assignments in Europe

First members' meeting in Egypt

For the first time, VDMA held a members' meeting in Cairo. Participants discussed market situation and current challenges in Egypt.

The Inflation Reduction Act and its impact

What are the effects of the IRA on the American market and what are the consequences for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry? Current VDMA publication provides an overview.

Relief needed for small European businesses

Some Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives require that all subcontractors use U.S. apprentices on the jobsite. This is impossible for many VDMA member companies.

Bottleneck for trade fair visas

Trade shows are finally underway again, and visa practices are hampering the success of the events. Foreign visitors and exhibitors report problems obtaining visas.

Enforce sanctions against Russia consistently!

The machinery and plant engineering sector continues to support the economic sanctions against Russia. The question is whether they were extensive enough and enforced with the necessary political consistency. At the same time, they show some serious shortcomings in terms of craftsmanship: Errors in the lists of goods or the lack of 'blacklisting' of many Russian defense companies.

VDMA welcomes the proposals for the entry into force of the trade agreement

The EU-Commission has presented the trade agreement with New Zealand for ratification. VDMA welcomes this step and hopes that this will soon also be the case for other EU trade agreements.

Machinery exports to Russia halved

The decline in exports will continue in 2023.

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

"China's state intervention creates unequal market conditions."

Ulrich Ackermann, VDMA Department Foreign Trade

Auf den Punkt Zahl Markets and Economy

192,4

billion euros

of machinery exports from Germany in 2022

Source: VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Märkte und Konjunktur

Summary
International forecasts available
  • International forecasts available 2023
  • Global economy loses momentum
  • Stagnation in global machine sales possible in 2023
  • three scenarios considered

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Unsere Leistungen

Unsere Leistungen

exklusiv

Flash survey on energy supply and material shortages
Rising prices and difficulties with energy supplies are a real test for the mechanical engineering sector. Supply chains also remain under tension, although there are signs of a slight easing in metals and metal products.
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
VDMA Trade Fair Calendar 2023
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.

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.