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.

VDMA member companies consider different strategies to minimize decoupling risks in both markets. The full report is available for download.

"Made in China 2025" leads to intensified competitive pressure in mechanical and plant engineering. A new study examines various scenarios up to the year 2030. Companies in Europe can continue to benefit from the upswing in the People's Republic, but there is a growing danger of falling exports to the Far East.

On 10th June, 2021, China enacted its Data Security Law (DSL), which will come into effect on 1st September, 2021. Building upon the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (CSL), the legislation from the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) puts forward a framework focused on the security and protection of data and data processing activities that have national security relevance, or anything else deemed “important data” by regulators.

The energy turnaround will not work without the expansion of renewable energies. In addition, high-density energy sources are needed. Mechanical and plant engineering plays a leading role in both areas. Here, China is an exciting export market.

Germany has created a brand and an export hit with Industrie 4.0. The consequence: China is staking its claim with its own initiatives. The opportunities for the German mechanical engineering industry must be carefully explored.

Technical trade barriers are currently a major obstacle to the export of machinery and equipment. This sometimes confronts companies with almost incalculable tasks, which the VDMA helps them to overcome.

Implementing remote service, cloud connection or VPN connection securely in China is a challenge for mechanical engineering. Product piracy also remains a major issue.

The conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement (RCEP) must be a wake-up call for EU trade policy. With this agreement, China underlines its political and economic leadership in the region.

Germany's and Europe's "friction" with China has increased in recent years in the area of trade. Unfulfilled promises made by China to partner countries to join the World Trade Organization as early as 2001 are trying the patience of the European Union (EU).