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Process plant and equipment from Germany in demand abroad.

With an update that is exclusively available to VDMA member companies for download, we provide you with up-to-date information on German exports of process technology.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The new Indian Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order affects packaging machines, filling machines and machines for thermal processes and separation technology, among other things.

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).

An industry expert from the Africa Business Network in South Africa identifies specific business opportunities for German suppliers for a circular economy. One focus is also on projects in the water industry.

From May 19 to 23, 2025, the AHK Portugal is organizing a business initiation to Portugal on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. It is part of the market development program for SMEs.

From March 31 to April 4, 2025, trAIDe GmbH is conducting a business initiation to Colombia on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. It is part of the market development program for SMEs.

For the guidance of member companies, the VDMA Process Equipment and Machinery Association has updated a data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with Portugal.

With an update that is exclusively available to VDMA member companies for download, we provide you with up-to-date information on exports of water and wastewater technology from Germany.

Development of German exports of mechanical engineering/process engineering machinery and apparatus, country shares, most important machinery supplier countries incl. goods shares, EU exports

From June 10 to 14, 2024, AHK Poland is organizing a business initiation trip "Innovative technologies for water treatment and wastewater management to Poland.

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 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.

The BME CEE Forum offers individual matchmaking discussions, workshops and up-to-date insights into procurement strategies in 18 Central and Eastern European countries.

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.

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.

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.

Baden-Wuerttemberg's mechanical and plant engineering sector generated around EUR 47.5 billion in exports in 2024

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.

VDMA emphasized during its discussions in Brussels in particular the importance of better framework conditions so that Europe can compete with China and the United States.

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.

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.

The first round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the UAE took place in June 2025. VDMA hopes that this will result in an agreement to abolish localization requirements, amongst other things.

The EU finance ministers have decided that Bulgaria will officially join the eurozone on January 1, 2026.

The new Trump tariffs are not only raising costs for the machinery sector, but creating confusion and uncertainty among manufacturers that export to the United States.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which was officially agreed at the beginning of 2025, is a joint project between Singapore and Malaysia with the aim of exploiting economic synergies between the two countries.

VDMA America hosts its first member-exclusive Executive Roundtable in the United States on Wednesday, July 16, in the Houston area.

Canada wants to expand its economic partnerships - an opportunity for Europe. It is crucial that the CETA free trade agreement is finally implemented in full.

If export goods are not delivered, there is a risk of high losses - especially for custom-made products. Hermes Cover protects against losses due to sanctions or geopolitical conflicts, among other things.

The new Chinese export controls on rare earths and some products made from them are increasingly becoming a massive problem. China cannot keep up with issuing the export licenses that are now required.

We always report on changes to major embargoes or embargo changes with significant relevance for mechanical and plant engineering at short notice. Here is an overview of less relevant embargo changes since January 2025.

The tabular VDMA overview "Country-related embargoes" makes it easy to find out which countries are currently subject to EU embargo measures and what the current status of the embargo texts is.

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector fell by 6% in real terms in April compared to the previous year. An expected setback, given the uncertainty caused by US tariff policy.

With effect from May 29, 2025, the EU has largely, but not completely, lifted its sanctions against Syria. This is in response to the change in US policy towards Syria announced by President Trump in Saudi Arabia.

The Council has adopted its negotiating mandate on the eDeclaration. This is a first step towards less bureaucracy in the area of posting of workers.

This article provides an overview of the wide range of support available to German companies wishing to enter the African market. The overview is updated regularly, but does not claim to be exhaustive.

Sentiment among companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Baden-Württemberg remains low

Letters of credit or advance payment are not very attractive in a competitive environment. Credit insurance for payment terms is an alternative. These are also an entry into export financing.

The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.

The mechanical engineering sector started the year with a subdued export result. March at least showed a slight upward trend. However, the weaknesses in the Chinese and EU markets remain serious.

The EU provides consolidated versions of its sanctions regulations. In the case of the Russia sanctions, the consolidated legal texts have now been updated to the 16th sanctions package.

On May 20, 2025, the EU published its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures (5 amending regulations) all come into force on May 21, 2025. Some of the tightened sanctions are also relevant for the mechanical and plant engineering industry.

Foreign exchange market was deregulated in March 2024. But expectations that exports would pick up afterwards were not fulfilled. VDMA members in Egypt nevertheless report good business.

Saudi Arabia in transition offers both challenges and opportunities. Local presence remains crucial, and not just because of increasing Chinese competition.

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%.

The introduction of new US tariffs poses challenges for exporting companies. These trade policy measures can have a significant impact on cost calculation and risk distribution in international supply contracts.

The foreign trade department informs you about the latest developments in exports and supports you in accessing difficult markets. We support your international activities with offices worldwide and practical information.

In light of Trump’s tariffs, analysts highlight ASEAN’s risks from trade tensions but remain optimistic about the region's resilience. Singapore’s semiconductor industry stays cautious, exporters diversify suppliers and customers amid uncertainties.

The webinar on May 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is the first in a series of events organized by the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), VDMA e.V. and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).

The Hermes Annual Report for Export Credit Guarantees 2024 has been published. The figures show how relevant the protection of export receivables against crises is.

The blanket punitive tariffs announced by Donald Trump will harm producers and consumers in both regions - and will exacerbate rather than resolve trade conflicts.

In February, order books in the mechanical engineering sector filled up unexpectedly strongly by 8% in real terms. Part of this growth was due to large-scale plant business and part to component business.

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.

The mechanical engineering industry in Brazil will benefit from the simplification of certificates of origin through self-certification in Mercosur.

Tariffs of 25 percent on the import of cars and car parts have been effective since April 3 and May 3, respectively.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has published an amendment to the Quality Control Order for Machinery in the Gazette of India, according to which products listed therein will require a market access mark from September 1, 2026.

The VDMA is intensifying its activities in sub-Saharan Africa and is looking forward to new support in the team of the foreign trade department

On March 12, the USA imposed tariffs of 25 percent on all steel and aluminum products, including some steel and aluminum derivatives. This affects the mechanical and plant engineering sector, especially the spare parts business.

Despite a slight decline in machinery exports to Kazakhstan in 2024, the German mechanical engineering industry remains confident

In 2024, machinery exports from Europe to the Southeast Asian region will still not be able to match the levels of the years before coronavirus and will even record further losses.

In response to the imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU, the EU-Commission has initiated countermeasures against imports from the US. This included a consultation on EU countermeasures for US exports.

Since March 17, 2025, the notification procedure for employees posted to Switzerland has been handled exclusively via the EasyGov portal. The previous application for reporting short stays was deactivated on March 14, 2025.

After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.

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.

The EU's 16th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus has been somewhat lost in the excitement surrounding US President Trump. But there are new risks and details that VDMA members have to deal with.

President Trump is calling for reciprocal trade and tariffs – what impact might this have on machinery and equipment manufacturers and transatlantic trade?

With a liaison office for the ASEAN region, the VDMA aims to support European mechanical engineering in the region. Tiffany Ang has been representing the VDMA in the ASEAN region based in Singapore since January 6, 2025.

The USA and China remain top of the mechanical engineering export rankings in 2024. Overall, exports fell by a nominal 5 percent to just under 200 billion euros.

The EU Commission has launched a survey on the provision of construction and installation services. Take part!

The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 is also intended to offer the supplier industry more opportunities on the export markets. The VDMA explains what is important.

The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 improves the forfaiting guarantee. LBBW reports the first financing with this cover.

The Hermes package of measures from January 2025 offers applicants a German Footprint concept if they do not only export German value added.

Sign up via MyVDMA – and receive clear, relevant updates to help you navigate international trade.

The Chinese government has taken countermeasures in response to the US government's announcement that it will impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all imports from China.

The study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.

The US tariffs for Canada and Mexico also affect the mechanical engineering industry - and its American customers. Quick negotiations are needed to get the tariffs off the table.

The EU and the Philippines announced the resumption of trade negotiations in 2024. VDMA prepared a document with the most important demands for the negotiating teams, e.g. the abolition of all tariffs.

The German government wants to boldly reform export promotion. SMEs in particular can benefit from this - if the banks go along with it.

A small ray of hope in orders from eurozone countries in November does not change the overall weather situation: orders in the mechanical engineering sector are not gaining momentum.

At the end of 2024, Switzerland and the EU managed to redefine their relations. It is questionable whether the necessary referendum in Switzerland will accept the rules.

The EU Commission agrees to postpone the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.

The EU Commission has published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for the year 2025. There are only a few changes for mechanical engineering.

Order books in the mechanical engineering sector remain weak, with 9% fewer orders booked in October than in the previous year. Customers remain hesitant to make new investments

A weak global economy and many structural problems at home are weighing on the export business in the mechanical engineering sector. Exports fell by a good 5 percent in the first nine months.

VDMA supports companies in opening up international markets by participating in trade fairs, among other things. In addition to its own trade fair stands in Germany, it offers companies the opportunity to exhibit at group stand (German Pavilions).

The U.S. government has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit the importation of vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian hardware or software.

Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.

The order situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains weak, particularly in Germany. However, companies are also still waiting for new investment momentum in global business.

On October 28, the Russian central bank raised the key interest rate to 21 percent. At the same time, it indicated that the interest rate could soon rise even higher. The reasons are high inflation and the overheated economy.

Fabiane Wahlbrink, head of VDMA Brazil, was able to expand the network for mechanical engineering at conferences and trade fairs. The hydrogen industry is just one example.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Saudi Arabia's state-owned companies are vehemently calling on their suppliers to invest in the country. Each day 5 to 6 factories take up production.

China still requires an official PU invitation for certain countries of origin.

The tips for business success in the United States have been updated. The exclusive publication for VDMA members is now available in German and English.

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 study shows need for catching up (or pent-up demand) for German financing offers

VDMA Foreign Trade offers you comprehensive support for your foreign business in uncertain times. Wondering how to do it?

Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provides a monthly overview of publications relevant to mechanical engineering on Africa exclusively for VDMA members.

The VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter offers you topics relevant to mechanical engineering and event information. More about our offer here in the video.

Current information, analyses and events on export financing, as well as Hermes cover in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.

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.

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.

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.

The USA further strengthened its position as the most important export market for mechanical and plant engineering last year. Exports increased by a total of 11 billion euros to a good 192 billion euros. Adjusted for prices, a small minus remained in the books.

Updated edition 2023 is available.

The EU Commission published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for 2023 on Oct. 31, 2022. There are only a few changes for the mechanical engineering industry.

Turkey has announced that only "Türkiye" will be used as the country name in international correspondence.

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

Removal of government subsidies for water will push investment for wastewater treatment.

Current information, analyses and events on the markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter.

VDMA Foreign Trade has revised and updated the customs info sheets.

The VDMA Foreign Trade team keeps an eye on business opportunities in Western Europe/EU and Southeast Europe.

Up-to-date information on all issues related to export control, embargoes and sanctions, tailored to the information needs of management.

Up-to-date information on all issues related to export controls and sanctions.

Up-to-date information on doing business with Iran.

Here you can find information about the modules "Foreign trade in machinery (annual values)" and "German, EU27 and UK foreign trade in machinery (monthly values)" of the VDMA statistics database.

Official platform provides bundled and free information on Africa business.

Not only since the pandemic has the mechanical engineering industry been faced with the challenge of opening up new countries and markets. The Foreign Trade team will provide you with up-to-date information relevant to mechanical engineering.

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.

The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.

Well positioned and internationally competitive again after the structural change: Mechanical and plant engineering is one of the core industries and an important employer. A portrait.

As part of the core metalworking and metal processing industry, mechanical and plant engineering provides a decisive impetus for growth, employment and prosperity in Brandenburg. A portrait.

Thuringia is a traditional industrial location with many efficient medium-sized companies. Mechanical engineering is one of the growth areas. A portrait.

Mechanical and plant engineering in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is closely linked to both traditional and future-oriented industries. These are good prospects for a growing branch of industry: a portrait.

The former heavy engineering center has become a location for high-tech production at the highest technical and technological level. A portrait.

Follow the activities of VDMA Foreign Trade and stay up to date.

We have received new information that certification is waivable for certain exports to Saudi Arabia.

Export control is sometimes underestimated, sometimes overestimated. VDMA members can get advice and help from the VDMA to identify and comply with export restrictions and avoid unnecessary expense.

The federal government has promised the German economy a wide range of aid in order to mitigate the damage of the pandemic in the best possible way.

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.

Companies from the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector can find a quick overview of international activities in North Rhine-Westphalia and of support and information services here.