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Europe's mechanical engineering companies are facing major challenges in Southeast Asia. More local proximity, strategic adaptation and the courage to question familiar ways of thinking are needed.

Members face unprecedented compliance challenges with the new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives. The VDMA now publishes a guide to support members in this new and difficult area.

The U.S. follows through on the agreement to lower tariffs on auto parts, civil aircraft, as well as natural resources.

The Commerce Department announced a new Section 232 National Security Investigation specifically for Machinery.

In view of growing global tensions, the mechanical engineering industry is striving for closer cooperation with Japan. The further development of Industry 4.0 in particular offers good opportunities for this.

Following the first review that imposed high steel and aluminum tariffs on many machinery products, the U.S. Commerce Department has opened a second round for product inclusion requests.

On behalf of the German-African Business Association, we collect feedback and information on your current Africa projects. This information will be fed into the talks with African partners via the German government.

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".

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 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 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 tariff agreement between the US and EU at least reduces uncertainty somewhat. However, it is hardly worth more than the paper it is written on if more and more products fall under the steel and aluminum tariffs.

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 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector fell by 9.1 % in April. - First decline in three months, the impact of the Trump administration's tariff policy still unclear.

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.

When it comes to raw material stocks in Europe, a broad perspective is needed. Stockpiling is one component, the circular economy another.

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 for machine tools from China rose by 27.9% (YoY) to 34 billion yen in April, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth. The lively investment activity of local manufacturers continues.

The global business situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains mixed. While India and Brazil are impressing with good figures, China is struggling with structural challenges. The USA is characterized by the latest 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 obligation to comply with energy efficiency standards for newly established data centers is being discussed.

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

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector in the 1st quarter and especially in March increased sharply. However, this is only temporary due to major orders from the chemical, marine machinery and telecommunications sectors.

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.

The EU internal market needs ambitious reforms. The EU internal market strategy aims to improve Europe's competitiveness, but remains too vague in detail.

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 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.

Budget 2025: Tech Industry bats for deeptech fund, tweaks in safe harbor rules ‘threshold

Budget may trigger consumption revival as purchasing power increase for middle class: FMCG Companies

India ready to collaborate openly to build inclusive global energy future: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas

19,826 km roads constructed so far under Bharatmala: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways

From 7-11th April Oliver Wack from VDMA Foreign Trade visited Japan. The main topic was to prepare VDMA President's Bertram Kawlath's visit to Japan in September.

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 Shanghai-Germany Manufacturing Industry Exchange Dialogue was held on April 1, 2025, at Hannover Messe, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government and VDMA.

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

VDMA President Bertram Kawlath calls for government reform to reshape the labor market. Security also means increasing industrial competitiveness.

In turbulent times, good trade relations are just as important as innovation. With the guest country Canada and the focus on the use of artificial intelligence in production, Hannover Messe 2025 has set the right signals.

The USA is much more than just a major sales market for industry in Europe. The change in trade policy under Donald Trump is hitting companies all the harder. Europe must now show unity and strength - in every respect.

The US government's tariff policy could result in a 4% drop in production by Japanese car manufacturers.

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.

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

Mitsubishi Corporation plans to build data center on the site of the former JFE blast furnace with an investment volume of JPY 150 billion (EUR 937 million).

Malaysia and Singapore launched the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in January 2025. The new economic initiative aims to drive significant business growth with as many as 50 projects and create 20,000 skilled jobs.

In February, the ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 51.5, the highest in seven months, from 50.4 in January. This marks the highest reading since July 2023.

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

New orders for machinery in Japan fell by 3.5% in January compared to the previous month, while the order backlog reached a record high due to a shortage of labor and transportation capacity.

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.

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.

The EU is aiming to conclude a free trade agreement with India this year. It would be an important step towards improving the competitive position of industry, also with regard to China.

The largest energy-related trade fair, SMART ENERGY WEEK, took place from February 19 to 21 at Tokyo Big Sight. Germany was strongly represented with three pavilions.

New orders in the machinery sector will increase in 2024 for the first time in two years, driven by semiconductors, electronics industries and others

The Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have broken off talks about a merger. However, the restructuring of the Japanese automotive industry is expected to continue in the future.

The Japanese electronics company Pioneer Corporation has opened a new R&D base in Wetzlar, Germany.

Nominal GDP in Japan in 2024 amounted to 609.3 trillion JPY (EUR 3.9 trillion) - an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year and thus a record high.

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 partner country of Hannover Messe 2025 is Canada: The country is attractive for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry and offers significant growth potential.

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 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.

Machinery new orders revised upwards for the first time in 8 months, supported by investment in decarbonization and AI

Overview of the VDMA's foreign trade policy activities in 2024 - a review of the year

The USA is an important market for the German mechanical engineering industry. Despite protectionist tendencies, the dynamic remains positive; with the potential of headwinds. The VDMA calls for close EU-US relations and rejects tariffs.

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 VDMA Dubai meeting was characterized by a positive mood - driven by current business as well as business expectations. Nevertheless, there are challenges.

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.

After the very weak economy in 2024, hopes are pinned on markets picking up in 2025 / Politicians must set business-friendly framework conditions

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 business expectations of German mechanical engineering companies in China for 2024 show little sign of improvement. The hoped-for growth will once again not be achieved.

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.

The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule restricting certain investments in the Chinese semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence sectors.

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.

This overview highlights the key differences and similarities between the trade policy of the two U.S. presidential candidates.

The August statistics on new orders for machinery showed that new orders from the "private sector (excluding ships and electricity)" fell by 1.9% to 858.1 billion yen (5.3 billion euros) compared to the previous month.

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

The tougher the dispute between the USA and China becomes in global trade, the greater the pressure on Europe. What will industries have to face if rules-based trade is pushed aside?

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.

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.

The EUDR must be applied by December 30, 2025. The mechanical engineering industry is directly affected in some areas of the spare parts business. In December 2024 the start of implementation was postponed by one year without any changes being made.

Chinese companies now have a global presence and dominate some global markets

Applicants from NRW must in future submit their application to the Visa Center in Frankfurt am Main

What's new in the area of export controls? What do you currently have to be prepared for in practice? The event addressed the most important developments.

Among other things, the event covered changes in the areas of ATLAS exports, carbon offset tax (CBAM) and customs clearance in third countries.

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.

Russia is trying by all means to covertly procure sanctioned goods in the EU. This creates a risk of unintentionally becoming involved in sanctions violations. VDMA Foreign Trade provides tips on how to react to this.

Germany and Italy maintain close economic relations, especially in mechanical engineering. The new VDMA office in Bologna is intended to be a local point of contact.

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

The Statistical Handbook 2025 is now available to our member companies as a PDF version free of charge. Non-members can obtain the publication from the VDMA publishing house.

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.

Current information, analyses and events on the African market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.

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

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.

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.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Egypt has undergone a sometimes tumultous, but overall dynamic economic development.

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

In 2022, the mechanical and plant engineering sector in eastern Germany continued the solid performance of the previous year. However, the individual federal states performed differently.

VDMA Foreign Trade supports and accompanies member companies in expanding foreign sales into future markets with potential.

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

The government is investing heavily in infrastructure and there are multiple market opportunities, but the economy is also suffering from currency devaluation.

Up-to-date information, analyses and events on the Japanese market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.

Up-to-date information, analyses and events on the Indian market 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 doing business with Iran.

Peter Steindl, managing partner of FAWEMA GmbH, describes himself as a great friend of Africa. He talks about the company's start in Africa and gives tips on building up 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.

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.

The latest customs information for your daily work – exclusively for members.

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.

New fact sheet highlights differences for obtaining the respective customs simplification procedures

The revision of the tips brochure on doing business in China is now available. It contains highlights on the most important aspects of trading with China and at the same time links them to the respective experts in the VDMA.

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.

Trade fairs are of great importance in international marketing. Due to the high costs, the selection of suitable trade fairs is of particular importance.

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