Global markets - vdma.eu
Global markets
Keeping an eye on the latest trends in market access, market entry and market development
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.
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Trade conflicts, bureaucracy and rising costs are slowing down the mechanical engineering sector. Production will fall by 5 percent in 2025. VDMA President Kawlath calls for an "autumn of action".
The EU has a range of trade policy instruments at its disposal to ensure a level playing field for German and European companies in trade with China.
Two Committees of the European Parliament have approved the negotiating mandate on the eDeclaration. VDMA hopes that the trilogue negotiations between the EU institutions can now begin promptly.
Part 2 of our series of talks on the Mechanical Engineering Summit 2025: VDMA foreign trade expert Monika Hollacher shows how companies can mitigate geopolitical risks by choosing their location wisely.
The EU and Indonesia reached on 13 July 2025 a political agreement on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). However, several issues require further negotiations.
The EU is finally making progress on the Mercosur agreement. The decision to treat the trade part separately is particularly helpful. Now it is up to the EU Council and Parliament.
The slight easing in order books in July is not a trend reversal: The hoped-for momentum in investments in mechanical engineering is still lacking. The promised relief must therefore come in the fall.
The bureaucratic burdens of the new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives are immense. Manufacturers must prepare quickly to handle the requests that they will receive from importers.
LogiMAT India 2026 - from February 5 to 7 in Mumbai - is once again part of the German government's official foreign trade fair program. The German Pavilion offers discounted conditions for interested companies.
The EU proposes tariff exemption for US products - while punitive tariffs are extended to European machinery. The EU Commission urgently needs to renegotiate; mechanical engineering products must be permanently exempted from sectoral tariffs.
On the initiative of the VDMA Forum Process Technology, several water trade fairs have once again made it into the German government's foreign trade fair program in 2026. The destinations are pure treasures.
Held on 3rd to 5th September 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The BME CEE Forum offers individual matchmaking discussions, workshops and up-to-date insights into procurement strategies in 18 Central and Eastern European countries.
Numerous machines, including many construction machines, are now subject to the extended new 50 per cent punitive tariffs. The VDMA criticises the poorly negotiated US tariffs and is calling for corrections.
The EU Commission defends the 15 percent "tariff deal" with the USA. But more and more products are falling under the much higher steel and aluminum tariffs. The VDMA is urgently calling on the EU Commission to work towards improvements.
On September 22, 2025, the VDMA is offering a full-day face-to-face event in Frankfurt for members who want to sharpen their ASEAN strategy. Also present: Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and regional business development agencies.
When exporting cranes, industrial trucks, continuous conveyors and storage and retrieval machines to the USA, 50 percent duty will be levied on the steel content. Members are advised to check whether they are affected.
The U.S. Department of Commerce added 407 new articles to the steel and aluminum lists, subject to 50-percent tariffs. Many machinery products are affected.
Exports in the mechanical and plant engineering sector fell by 3.4% year-on-year in the first half of the year. The tariff conflict between the EU and the USA has left its mark. Europe is now all the more challenged to fight for open markets.
62 mandatory standards/Amendments, 697 voluntary standards/Amendments and 73 translated standards were approved in the past two months.
Drafts of mandatory standards and regulations are released for comments.
The Catalogue for Product Carbon Footprint Labeling Certification (1st Batch) and the 2025 National Task List for Industrial Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Diagnostic Services were released.
The Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Controlled for Export from China was updated and approved.
The China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) released the 2025 Key Points for Standardization in the Machinery Industry.
The Chinese Standard Platform enables users to search for Chinese standards and preview some of the full text.
Interview with Mr. Shi Tao, General Manager, KOCKS Beijing Metallurgical Equipment
Keep up to date with the latest news from Southeast Asia with the new VDMA newsletter. Subscribe now to receive relevant regional updates every two months — exclusively for VDMA members.
On August 7, 2025, Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed State Council Decree No. 814, officially releasing the Decision of the State Council on Amending the Regulations of China on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners.
Focus on the US market: The new VDMA economic report Q2/2025 shows stable developments despite political uncertainties. Now exclusively for members - with interactive charts and current economic data.
After 100 days of the German federal government, there is less and less sign of a spirit of optimism. Real reforms and uncomfortable decisions are needed for a turnaround in the fall - now!
A Strategic Push for Industrial and Green Transformation (Part 1: Key Aspects of the Policy)
Effective January 1, 2025, China has introduced a new tax credit for foreign investors who reinvest distributable profits into eligible projects within the country. The policy will remain in force until December 31, 2028.
Mit Wirkung zum 1. Januar 2025 hat China eine neue Steuergutschrift für ausländische Investoren eingeführt, die ausschüttungsfähige Gewinne in förderfähige Projekte innerhalb des Landes reinvestieren. Die Regelung gilt bis zum 31. Dezember 2028.
The "tariff agreement" between the EU and the USA is hurting companies, the supposed planning security has been bought at a high price. In the end, it will probably be American customers who pay the bill. The EU and the German government must act now.
Updated policy briefing on China’s Personal Information Protection Regulation (PIPL)
The EU has updated the content of one of its two embargo regulations against Sudan. Among other things, two new companies have been added to the blacklist.
The EU has updated the content of two of its embargo regulations against Iran. For the third Iran embargo regulation, a completely up-to-date consolidated text version is once again available.
As part of a political agreement with the European Commission, a new base tariff of 15 percent has been established to prevent a further escalation of retaliatory measures.
Digital, secure, and efficient. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping.
Argentina stabilizes in 2025 - Brazil benefits from this, with Brazilian cars and machinery in particular in demand. At the same time, uncertainty in trade with the USA is growing.
The trade fair year 2026 calls solution providers from the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors to Mumbai, Beijing, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, among others. Private sector booths will add extras in Rio and the home market Hamburg.
The agreement in the customs dispute creates planning security in the short term and averts an incalculable trade war. However, the agreement also reflects the balance of power. The EU must therefore now consistently strengthen its competitiveness.
With the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” Donald Trump has reached his most important goal in Congress. The sweeping tax reforms carry significant implications for VDMA member companies.
VDMA America recently held their first Executive Roundtable at GEDA USA in League City, Texas, providing the American leadership of our members’ subsidiaries a valuable opportunity to network and exchange insights on key topics impacting our industry
The VDMA urges the U.S. and EU to reach an agreement that ensures the certainty European machinery manufacturers need to operate in the U.S.
The OECD Consensus on Export Credits was modernized in 2023 to strengthen opportunities in global competition. However, implementation of the reform is slow. According to an analysis by the US Exim Bank, China is ahead in terms of new commitments in 2024.
A politically motivated ban on exports of rare earths from China is not compatible with a trusting trade relationship. The EU must show strength towards China and take action.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package, which also includes measures against Belarus. It includes two amending regulations. Some of the tougher sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
On July 18, 2025, the EU published its 18th sanctions package against Russia. The measures (2 amending regulations) all come into force on 19.07.2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
10.1 percent of the total value-added of the machinery industry in Germany gets finally tied up in automobiles. Around 103,000 of the 1.02 million jobs in the machinery industry in Germany hence depend on the global demand for automobiles.
A target market analysis is usually prepared for projects within the scope of the market development program. We have compiled an overview of the projects in the water industry up to 2025.
The building valves industry saw only modest growth in the first half of 2025. Neither the government change nor the “construction turbo” spurred lasting recovery. For 2025, VDMA forecasts just 3 percent revenue growth.
From 24 to 27 November 2025, the construction trade fair will be the meeting place for the booming construction industry in the Middle East.
The recently published study "Business Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa - 15 Country Profiles" provides comprehensive information on the market potential in sub-Saharan African markets.
The world's largest trade fair for LNG, gas and hydrogen is returning to Milan this year. German participation with 33 exhibitors and another 20 members from DACH.
The positive experience with the annual focus country and the successful contributions from market participants, the AHKs and local associations provide the basis for this.
British Columbia is home to 1,100 mining companies, 16 operating mines and 16 of Canada's 31 critical raw materials. This makes Canada a strategically important partner for Europe's raw material supply.
On 11 July 2025, the summer meeting of the Executive Board took place at Herrenknecht AG in Schwanau.
The calls for tenders for the 1st tranche 2026 of the BMWE market development program have been published online on the website of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).
As a continent rich in raw materials with around 65 percent of the world's arable land and a very young population by global standards, Africa offers enormous business and growth potential for local industry.
If you want to leverage real future potential for agribusiness, especially for agricultural technology, you can no longer ignore South America.
Strong participation and new priorities/Mega event with over 6,000 participants.
With an update every two months, which is exclusively available for download to VDMA member companies, we provide you with up-to-date information on German exports of water and wastewater technology.
5th Management Meeting for Construction Equipment and Building Material Plant Engineering hosted by Liebherr in Singapore. Market has recently grown significantly, but Chinese dominance is unbroken.
Market information forms the basis for many business decisions. With directly collected data and a wealth of secondary information, the Valves Association offers comprehensive know-how on industry and market developments.
VDMA organizes delegation trip on the occasion of Philconstruct in Manila in November 2025. Philippine construction industry benefits from infrastructure programs and expects strong growth.
For the guidance of member companies, the specialist department for water and wastewater technology has compiled a data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with the USA and with key data on the water sector in the USA.
On 4 June 2025, Haver & Boecker Latinoamericana in São Paulo hosted the Brazil Management Meeting of the Construction-Equipment and Plant Engineering and Mining & Minerals Trade Associations organized by VDMA Brazil.
The Chinese ban on the supply of rare earths is causing unrest. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath explains why SMEs are particularly affected in the ZEIT business podcast.
On 17 June 2025, the meeting of the Steering Committee Asia took place at Wirtgen GmbH in Windhagen and was a major networking event. Various important topics were discussed.
The 6th edition of the VDMA Technology Guide Oil Gas Petrochemicals with focus on Net-Zero Solutions for energy-intensive Industries. Are you among the Who's Who of European process technology suppliers?
Europe's construction industry is recovering - thanks to stable prices, better financing and EU funding. Residential construction will be the most important driver in future, with significant growth. In Germany, however, this will not become a reality until 2027 at the earliest.
Here you will find an updated overview of the progress of the project after the third face-to-face meeting on 12.03.202 (update no. 4).
On May 29, 2025, more than 50 industry experts met at the VDMA China Management Meeting at ebm-papst in Shanghai to exchange views on current topics such as intelligent manufacturing and export controls.
For the guidance of member companies, the specialist department for water and wastewater technology has compiled a data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with India and with key data on India's water sector.
A new industry expert from the Africa Business Network in Côte d'Ivoire has been identifying specific business opportunities for German providers of environmental technologies since November 2024. One focus is on projects in the water sector.
The publication provides an overview of CECE's activities. It shows the topics with which the CECE is involved at European and international level.
US tariffs harm trade worldwide
Current activities in the agricultural context
Current forecasts, key figures and background information on agricultural framework conditions, business and market development - worldwide, in Europe and in Germany.
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) finance numerous projects in developing and emerging countries worldwide.
Saudi Arabia is currently 20-30 percent self-sufficient in food. The country is only self-sufficient in some vegetables.
For two days, experts gathered in Würzburg for the Building Materials Plant Summit to discuss markets, technologies, and climate goals. Both research and industry agree that change is possible—and necessary.
Companies can register for the German Pavilion at Excon in Bangalore until August 9. India's largest trade fair will take place for the 12th time in December. India is the world's most dynamic market.
Despite a recovery at the start of the year, the outlook for China remains worrying. Electrification is driven forward on a big scale. VDMA met at Herrenknecht's impressive TBM plant in Guangzhou.
An industry expert of the Business Network Africa in Egypt identifies concrete business opportunities for German suppliers in the water industry.
For the orientation of VDMA member companies, the German Engineering Federation has created a new data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with Brazil.
At 10.3 per cent of German export market share, Guinea recorded the highest increase in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
The VDMA informs its members twice a year about the development of the chemical industry in Brazil, China, France, Turkey, the USA and the United Kingdom.
The first quarter of 2025 resulted in an overall increase in orders of 4% - the first positive quarterly balance of orders in three years. March also closed with a pleasing increase in orders of 4%.
Start of successful association networking. Despite difficult circumstances, bauma 2025 attracts its first visitors from Ukraine - in search of strong German partners in mechanical engineering.
The calls for tenders for a 3rd tranche 2025 in the BMWK market development program have been published online on the website of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).
What challenges do machine manufacturers face when exporting to Asia - and how does the VDMA provide support?
From 23 to 28 March 2025, the AHK Southern Africa organized a business initiation trip to South Africa on behalf of the BMWK and in cooperation with the VDMA Textile Machinery Association and SBS systems for business solutions GmbH.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan still have many good projects up their sleeves. Kazakhstan plans to expand its role in the global production of rare metals and earths.
Beyond the political noise, USA remains the largest market for German machinery export.
This year, Germany will once again be represented with a joint booth at the two glass industry trade fairs in Mumbai.
The economic outlook for the region remains good, although it appears that sales of mining equipment declined in 2024 compared to 2023.
The VDMA Mining & Minerals delegation to China in March 2025 began its trip with a visit to the JINGANG Group in Jinan.
Increasing trade barriers, sanctions and isolation - anyone wanting to do business internationally these days is confronted with high hurdles and conditions in many places.
Events
Virtual Q&A session on export control: legal situation, internal implementation, BAFA procedure. Participants determine the specific content themselves by submitting questions in advance.
As part of a business initiation trip sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), 18 member companies of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association will be presenting their pioneering and sustainable technologies along the entire value chain of the Egyptian textile and nonwovens industry.
Face-to-face event: Opportunities for the mechanical engineering sector in ASEAN despite global uncertainties. Learn how European companies can respond to geopolitical tensions - with insights from AHKs and GTAI. Register now - registration deadline is September 17, 2025.
The requirements for the creation of export documents are constantly increasing - the ATLAS electronic export procedure can quickly become a real challenge, especially for newcomers. In our free web event, we will give you a practical overview of the most important basics and show you what is important for the export declaration.
During the half-day conference “Expansion in Mexico” the VDMA Foreign Trade Department will offer insights into current opportunities and challenges in the Mexican market.
Information event on the shipbuilding markets in Southeast Asia and the APM Singapore 2026 trade fair
Exclusively for VDMA members
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