Header Marktdivers

International Market Diversification

Make the Move into New Markets

Photo
shutterstock

The global trend to protectionism is making it harder for machine builders to access markets. Geopolitical risks are increasing the need to diversify markets.

The VDMA presents the strategic steps for international market development: from direct export, via commercial agents and sales offices, to assembly, production and ultimately R&D abroad, as well as service structures. Support services within and outside the VDMA are also highlighted.

Photo

shutterstock

MidiJumpmarks

Empfehlung Marktdivers

RecommendedTIPP

exklusiv

  • Sales worldwide
Good preparation pays off when searching for sales partners worldwide. The "Tips for the successful worldwide search for sales agents" have been updated and are available exclusively for VDMA members.

Strategic steps for international market development

Strategic steps for international market development
Trade fair stands abroad

The ‘German Pavilions’ initiated by the VDMA at foreign trade fairs offer members the opportunity to present their own products and solutions at exciting markets without great expense.

Automotive News

What is happening where in the automotive and supplier industry?

India withdraws announced machinery regulation

India surprisingly stops the planned machinery regulation. The withdrawal relieves exporters - but raises new questions about regulatory certainty.

NAVALIA 2026, May 19-21, 2026, Vigo, Spain

Stand space still available at the VDMA joint stand

Process engineering: Price indices - monthly update

With a monthly update, which is exclusively available to VDMA member companies for download, we inform you about the development of price indices for process engineering goods.

Saudi Arabia – Economic Facts, Figures & Market Indicators

The Chart Pack Saudi Arabia compiles the latest economic and industry data from the Kingdom in clear graphics and provides member companies with a solid overview of growth dynamics, trade flows and market opportunities.

VDMA Robotics Automation elects Dr. Olaf Munkelt as new chairman

Dr. Olaf Munkelt, Co founder and Managing Director of MVTec Software GmbH, Munich, has been elected as the new Chairman of the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association.

Interoperability as a geopolitical game changer

The world is in a race for technological standards. With its "China Standards 2035" strategy, China is pursuing the goal of establishing its own standards globally.

Improving the sustainability of die casting machines

For the continuous improvement of foundry machines with the aim of sustainably improving the environmental impact, key figures must be determined in a standardized manner and appropriate measures derived.

17 business associations call for end to national supply chain law

17 leading business associations are calling for the German Supply Chain Act to be completely suspended. In the view of the associations, the changes planned so far are not sufficient to provide companies with any noticeable relief.

"Trade unions must give up their blockade stance"

While the economic situation is serious, the trade unions continue to block urgently needed labor market reforms. Sticking to the status quo, such as the rigid eight-hour working day, is irresponsible in the current situation.

Shipbuilding market Spain and trade fair NAVALIA

VDMA offers joint stand at Navalia 2026 - registration now open - please provide feedback

"Bureaucracy reduction too slow and many location impulses missing"

The EU report on the internal market clearly shows the urgent need for action in Europe. The internal market remains fragmented, private investment is declining and the EU is making slow progress in reducing regulatory hurdles.

German Pavilion at Laser World of Photonics India 2026

Inter Expo Consult GmbH, VDMA, and BMWE are organizing the German Pavilion at Laser World of Photonics India 2026 from September 16-18, 2026, at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, parallel to productronica India.

Foreign Trade Newsletter on South America

The VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter provides you with topics relevant to the mechanical engineering industry and information on events.

Representative offices abroad

China, India, Japan, America, Brazil or Singapore: Our VDMA liaison offices abroad will help you with your involvement in the most important foreign markets.

Welcome to VDMA Foreign Trade!

The VDMA foreign trade team supports member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering - practical, direct and competent in all questions concerning foreign business.

Successful abroad - Export topics

VDMA Foreign Trade provides practical insights for your export business - up-to-date, comprehensible and specifically for the mechanical engineering industry.

At home in the world, at home in Germany

VDMA Foreign Trade supports member companies in expanding their foreign sales in promising future markets.

Successful abroad - countries and regions

The mechanical engineering industry is constantly faced with major challenges. From opening up new countries and markets to optimizing existing activities. VDMA Foreign Trade provides you with active support!

From our content

From our content
ASEAN & German Mittelstand 2026: Strategic Growth in a Dynamic Region

As global supply chains shift, ASEAN’s strategic importance grows. This publication offers data-driven insights, manufacturing trends, and member experiences shaping growth in Southeast Asia, in collaboration with GTAI and EDB.

Search, Selection and Retention of Employees for Entities abroad

When setting up entities abroad companies have to recruit and retain employees from different cultures and societies. Selecting executives, building local teams and balancing local staff and expats are key success factors.

Localisation in China: From export to local partner

Despite changing conditions, China remains a key market for mechanical engineering. Exporting alone is no longer enough – companies can only be successful with a comprehensive localisation strategy, from procurement to service.

To the point

To the point

Zitat Marktdivers

Zitat folgt
Autor

Zahl Marktdivers

2028

India's economy, which has grown rapidly in recent years, will overtake Germany as the world's third-largest economy.

Rajesh Nath, VDMA India

Zusammenfassung Markt divers

Summary
Service providers for internationalisation
  • The VDMA has offices in various countries that provide information and offer access to local networks.
  • The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) worldwide offer support for market entry and the establishment of subsidiaries.
  • German Centres in individual countries offer support as well as real estate services for market entrants.

VdmaSambaDynamicEvents

Events

Wed. 11.02.26 Wed. 11.02.26

exclusive

  • Customs Regulations

The requirements for the creation of export documents are constantly growing - the ATLAS electronic export procedure can quickly become a real challenge, especially for newcomers.

Places available

Tue. 03.03.26 Tue. 03.03.26

exclusive

  • Foreign Trade Department

Serbia is becoming an increasingly important market for mechanical and plant engineering. This concise web event provides an expert overview of market opportunities, market entry strategies and nearshoring potential.

Places available

Tue. 17.03.26 Tue. 17.03.26

exclusive

  • Customs Regulations

Why does my customer want a preference certificate or a certificate of origin?

Places available

Mon. 23.03.26 Mon. 23.03.26

exclusive

  • Labour Law
  • Posting of Workers
  • International Tax Law

Ask your questions about work assignments abroad and get in touch online with the VDMA Tax, Legal and Foreign Trade departments!

Ask your questions about work assignments abroad and get in touch online with the VDMA Tax, Legal and Foreign Trade departments!

Tue. 14.04.26 Tue. 14.04.26

exclusive

  • Customs Regulations

An introduction to the complex area of the origin of goods.

Places available

Mon. 20.04.26 Fri. 24.04.26

  • Industrie 4.0
  • Digitalization & Industrie 4.0
  • Software and Digitalization
  • Manufacturing-X
  • Electric Power Transmission Engineering
  • Trade Fairs
  • Power Transmission Engineering
  • Fluid Power

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 opens its doors from April 20 to 24. Under the motto "Think Tech Forward", it will set new standards for industrial transformation. The focus will be on automation, digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize production processes. Sustainable energy solutions such as hydrogen technologies and resilient infrastructures characterize the Energy & Industrial Infrastructure area. With the new Defense Production Area and Brazil as a partner country, the trade fair underlines its role as a global platform for innovation and cooperation.

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 opens its doors from April 20 to 24. Under the motto "Think Tech Forward", it will set new standards for industrial transformation. The focus will be on automation, digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize production processes. Sustainable energy solutions such as hydrogen technologies and resilient infrastructures characterize the Energy & Industrial Infrastructure area. With the new Defense Production Area and Brazil as a partner country, the trade fair underlines its role as a global platform for innovation and cooperation.

More VDMA Services

More VDMA Services
Tips for the successfull worldwide search for sales agents
The brochure comprises six chapters with useful tips, clear information on the VDMA's services and further sources for research.
Tips for successfull business operations in India
The VDMA publication "Tips for Successful Business in India" supports you in your commitment to India and also serves as a guide in an environment that is not always easy.
VAT in Europe
VAT aspects of project business in the EU

More expert and focus topics

More expert and focus topics
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?
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.
Taxes
Tax law is as complicated and inscrutable as dense fog. Our team of experienced tax experts guides you through your tax issues and supports with practical information on the diverse and complex tax topics.
Legal
You are well advised to keep an eye on the legal decision-making parameters in every business transaction. The prerequisites for this are economic know-how and in-depth industry experience. Our member companies receive the necessary legal input - individually and tailored for mechanical engineering.
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.
Posting of Employees
For many companies, sending employees abroad is part of everyday business. However, this regularly raises questions about labor law, tax law, social security, and entry requirements.

Asset Publisher

VDMA partners

Photo
gtai - Germany Trade & Invest
Photo
International SOS

Level 2 Minimal Contact Display

Your contact

Photo
Photo
Photo