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

From our content

From our content
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.

Analysis, assessments and options for action for business with China

China has developed rapidly and, as a result, undergone considerable change. This has an impact on the economic and political environment to which the machinery and plant engineering industry cannot close its eyes.

3rd VDMA Austria ERFA Export Control and Sanctions. Latest news.

Current issues relating to Russia sanctions, international procurement attempts, goods list checks, fulfillment bans and much more were discussed by 38 participants at the annual exchange of experiences of the Austrian national association.

Posting to Great Britain: Everything you need to know!

On December 3, 2024 from 10 to 11 a.m. CET, the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) and the VDMA will hold a web event to provide information on the current entry regulations for work assignments in the United Kingdom.

VDMA trade fair calendar 2025

For many years, our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members.

Sentiment in machinery manufacturing industry deteriorates

According to the latest VDMA survey, the mood and prospects in the mechanical engineering sector have deteriorated noticeably. This makes it all the more urgent for politicians to finally set the course for new growth.

EU Commission requests postponement of EU deforestation regulation

The EU Commission proposes postponement of the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.

Exploiting sourcing opportunities in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans is a procurement market on our doorstep. Metal, wood and plastics processing as well as the textile industry and IT offer opportunities for nearshoring.

What trade policy agenda is Kamala Harris pursuing?

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.

Downward trend

Global machinery turnover is expected to fall by 2 percent in real terms in 2024. In 2025, a small growth of 1 percent could be achieved.

Exports to Africa and Middle East

How are exports to Africa and the Middle East developing? Which are the largest local markets, which product groups are most in demand and what are the most important supplier countries? In our theme publication you will find facts, figures and data on foreign trade with Africa and the Middle East from the perspective of the mechanical and plant engineering sector.

Increase is only an upward outlier

In August, incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector increased by 7% compared to the previous year. However, the upward outlier is not yet a trend reversal; special factors were responsible for the result.

Bulletin international

The economic output of the machinery and equipment industry continues to shrink in many locations.

Increasing demand for dual study programs in mechanical engineering

In the 2023 academic year, around 2,400 people started a dual study program in mechanical engineering/process engineering. This is an increase of 13% compared to the previous year and significantly more than in most other fields of study.

Inflation and exchange rate weigh on Turkish exporters

The following summarizes the discussions with VDMA members' branches in Turkey and with Turkish mechanical engineering companies as well as the second meeting of VDMA members in Istanbul.

EU Regulation: Deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR)

On June 30, a new EU regulation came into force, which was adopted in response to the urgent challenges of climate change and species protection.

Persistent weakness in demand characterizes first half of year

In the first half of the current year, price-adjusted production in the EU's machinery and equipment manufacturing sector shrank by 7 percent year-over-year.

Biden Administration Finalizes Strategic Tariff Changes against China

On September 13, 2024, the Biden Administration released the final version of its four-year review of Section 301 tariffs, which includes sweeping tariff hikes on selected Chinese goods.

Sideways movement at previous year's level in July, impetus from USA, China

At a nominal plus 0.7%, German machinery exports in July were slightly above the previous year's level.

Conclusion of negotiations is urgently needed

VDMA hopes for a breakthrough: a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Indonesia can significantly advance the European mechanical engineering industry in Southeast Asia.

Deforestation regulation EU Regulation 2023/1115

The deforestation regulation forces us to act.

"Electronic Travel Authorization" coming in 2025 for EU member states

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is currently valid for some countries and will be extended to European countries from 2 April 2025. Here are the current country overviews.

India as a future market for mechanical and plant engineering

India has established itself as one of the up-and-coming markets for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry.

India as a promising market: A subcontinent full of self-confidence

India wants to become a major economic power. The government is promoting growth with numerous measures. But locally, the paths to new business can be tortuous.

Production in mechanical engineering weaker than expected in 2024

Weak global trade and a lack of investment will result in an 8% drop in mechanical engineering production in 2024. A trend reversal will probably not set in until 2025.

De-risking China: leveraging potential in India

The discussion about "De-risking China" is in full swing in our industry. India is increasingly coming into focus as a growth market with high economies of scale.

Become active!

The new European Parliament is in place. This is a good opportunity to actively draw the attention of the new Members of the European Parliament to the bureaucracy surrounding the posting of workers.

"The Free Trade Agreement must finally enter into force!" 

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.

Single-digit decline on a weak basis 

For the first time in months, orders only fell in single digits in July. However, this does not yet mean a turnaround; there is a lack of impetus for new investments worldwide.

Latin America Chart Pack: Facts and figures on the market

In the first half of 2024, German machinery exports to Latin America increased by 3%. The momentum has thus leveled off. The Chart Pack provides facts and figures on the market.

Possible US tariffs on EU products are a risk for the mechanical engineering industry

The US election campaign is in full swing. What if Donald Trump becomes president again? A VDMA analysis looks at the potential impact on trade policy.

USA Chart Pack: Facts and figures on the market

The United States is the largest export market and the most important location for the German mechanical engineering industry. The chart pack provides information on the structure and development of the machinery market.

New orders in mechanical engineering in June: first increase in 3 months

The June statistics on new orders for machinery in Japan showed that new orders from the "private sector (excluding ships and electricity)" increased by 2.1% month-on-month to 876.1 billion yen (5.4 billion euros).

Info sheet on Trump 2.0 - Focus on trade-related election promises

Donald Trump has promised to impose new tariffs on all European imports. This and other trade policy promises are set out in an exclusive publication for members.

Work assignments in the Czech Republic - New reporting platform very complex

Since 1 July 2024 work assignments in the Czech Republic must be reported via an online reporting platform. The procedure is complex and many rules are still unclear.

Machinery exports: weak first half of 2024

Mechanical engineering recorded a nominal decline in exports of 4.8% in the first half of 2024. Weak demand from Europe and China in particular weighed on exports.

Slight decline in employment in mechanical engineering in Germany

5,200 jobs have been lost in mechanical and plant engineering since the beginning of the year. Nevertheless, the shortage of skilled workers remains high due to the demographic challenge. What is needed now are structural reforms to secure skilled workers.

Real GDP grows positively in Japan in the second quarter

Japan's real GDP growth for the second quarter (April-June) was 0.8%, converted at an annual rate of 3.1%.

New law to stimulate carbon emission reductions in Brazil

New opportunities for companies, investors, and individuals will emerge in Brazil and abroad as the H2 policy promotes economic development, environmental protection, energy security, and international cooperation.

Mastering business-cultural hurdles

Just because of their western influence, Americans seem culturally close to us Germans. But the reality is more complicated. Where are the differences, what needs to be considered?

Overall disappointing order situation

There are no signs of a turnaround in incoming orders. Orders fell significantly in June and also with a view to the first half of 2024. Germany and the euro countries in particular are weakening.

More ambition needed for Free Trade Agreements

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 competition requires political action

Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.

Cautious outlook for 2024

Numerous risks and the weak propensity to invest among many customers mean that the mechanical engineering sectors are taking a very cautious view of sales development in 2024.

USA: Interactive economic indicators

We have further expanded our data offering for the USA: The new economic indicators dashboard for the USA now also includes detailed price statistics.

Slump continues

Global machinery turnover will stagnate in 2024 for the second year in a row on a price-adjusted basis. The forecast data is very mixed at country level.

Mechanical engineering forecast report in Germany - September 2024

VDMA revises real production forecast to minus 8%.

"Positive plans for Europe's industry, commitment to free trade is missing"

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.

In focus: USA is the most important export market for mechanical engineering

The USA is the world's largest buyer of machinery and Germany's largest export market. It is also one of the most important supplier countries.

VDMA Magazin Teaser USA

Good prospects in the USA
Many European machinery and plant manufacturers already have subsidiaries in the USA. Three VDMA member companies report on why they want to expand their presence there and develop their business activities, and why the US market has potential.
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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.
Global markets
The world is changing fast - what was good practice yesterday may not be good practice tomorrow. The VDMA helps its members to keep track of the latest developments in global markets, customs, export financing, export controls and 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.
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?
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

“The Chinese engineering industry is currently in a new wave of “going global”, characterized by higher quality and technologically advanced products at a comparatively low price. Therefore, it is important that we promote our own strengths. The key to a position of strength is our own international competitiveness, which we can and must actively influence ourselves.”

Karl Haeusgen, VDMA Chief Präsident

Auf den Punkt Zahl Markets and Economy

10

million euros

is the maximum order value for a forfaiting guarantee. This is additional cover to the supplier credit cover. The exporter must apply for cover for both types of cover.

Source: VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Märkte und Konjunktur

Statistics
Welcome to the VDMA statistics database
  • The VDMA incoming orders and turnover statistics for Germany are exclusively available to you when you participate
  • The foreign trade statistics provide you with information on the flow of goods by sector and commodity code
  • Leading economic indicators provide information on how the economic situation will develop in the future

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Thu. 07.11.24 Wed. 20.11.24

exclusive

  • Markets & Economy

What is the economic situation in mechanical and plant engineering and selected specialist sectors? What are the prospects for 2025?

Places available

Fri. 22.11.24 Fri. 22.11.24

  • China
  • Foreign Markets

Make a note of the date or register directly. Further details on the agenda will follow.

Places available

Aus unseren Inhalten

Our services

Our services
VDMA Trade Fair Calendar 2025
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.
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts 2024
Mechanical and plant engineering figures and charts provides a comprehensive overview of all major figures and statistics relating to the mechanical engineering industry.

exclusive

Economic bulletin international
Our monthly bulletin provides periodic updates on economic trends in the international mechanical engineering sector.

exclusive

Germany Economic Bulletin
Data on the economic situation of the German mechanical and plant engineering industry in the current economic context

exclusive

VDMA flash survey
Machine and plant manufacturers are looking ahead to the year 2024 with a subdued mood. A reluctance to invest and hire new staff is noticeable due to the high level of uncertainty. The order backlog is melting for many.

exclusive

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

Ausschüsse

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

Ihr Kontakt

Vorteilskommunikation

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.