Markets & Economy - vdma.eu

Saudi Arabia increases customs duties and introduces new tariff lines.

The agreement brings a gradual reduction in customs duties and complex rules of origin. Market access and first-mover advantage characterize the strategic orientation.

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).

As part of the VDMA event series "The Dragon in the Room", representatives from member companies met in Berlin at the beginning of December to discuss how to deal with China and the resulting strategic activities.

In October, part of the VDMA team traveled to South Africa for a market visit. The aim of the trip was to visit local members and further expand the mechanical engineering network in one of the most dynamic economic regions in Africa.

The Indian government has postponed the introduction of various BIS certification requirements for certain product categories. Among other, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), which is responsible for mechanical engineering, has postponed the implementation of certain certification requirements.

The UK is no longer a member of the EU, which means that the EU's export controls for third countries apply here. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be complied with.

There are also EU export controls for business with the USA. Although they are rarely a problem, formal restrictions and procedures must still be observed.

This overview is intended to support the announcement, planning and participation in relevant trade fairs and exhibitions in the sub-sectors and groups of the VDMA.

The EU has postponed the introduction of the deforestation regulation for another year.

In recent years, India's economic development has been characterized by strong momentum, structural change and growing importance on the world stage, including rising employment and expanding private consumption.

The mechanical engineering industry wants to maintain production in Germany and Europe. However, better location conditions are urgently needed to prevent research, production and therefore innovation from migrating away.

Inflation, declining global competitiveness of Turkish exporters, high interest rates and price pressure from local and Chinese competitors are depressing the mood among VDMA members in Türkiye. Investments and growth are failing to materialize.

In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Batam’s BBK SEZ emerges as a cost-efficient hub for manufacturing, logistics, and digital services. When linked with Singapore and Johor, the tripartite sees potential to strengthen regional supply chains and reshape the future of a tri-hub network.

Mechanical engineering has long driven innovation, but somewhere along the way, it lost its ‘cool’ factor. On 21 Nov 2025, the 10th VDMA SEA Summit gathered industry leaders to explore how to attract and engage the next generation.

Ukraine is facing one of the biggest energy crises since the beginning of the war of aggression. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is calling for support.

Industries in Southeast Asian markets are facing challenges: Is China's overcapacity threatening to deindustrialise the region?

Incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector rose by 4% in real terms in October compared to the previous year. This was driven by non-euro countries. The growth is pleasing, but only represents consolidation at a low level.

VDMA’s Industry Insight Tours 2025 brought 180+ members up close to China’s fast-moving manufacturing hubs, offering exclusive access, networking and fresh perspective.

Growth expectations rise to 6%, yet overall sentiment stays subdued. Discover key trends across sectors and what’s driving the market outlook.

Vertiefter fachlicher Einblick und wertvolle Anregungen für die Exportkontroll- und Sanktionsprüfungs-Praxis in Unternehmen.

New orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Japan fell by 2.1% in the third quarter - the first decline in a year.

Machine tool orders rise 17% in October as overseas demand hits record high

Orders for industrial robots increase by 25% in the period from July to September; strong growth in placement machines for electronic components.

Real GDP fell by 1.8% on an annualized basis in the third quarter, marking the first decline in six quarters due to weak exports.

Since the current sultan came to power in 2022, Oman has been vigorously pursuing its “Oman Vision 2040” strategy. The aim of this strategy is to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for 40% of GDP.

The Middle East is currently the fastest-growing export region worldwide. The mood at the Dubai Meeting on 21 November was correspondingly positive.

Machinery is in high demand in Norway and it is therefore not surprising that Germany is the most important importer of machinery. But what notifications are required before employees can travel to Norway?

With the 22nd Ordinance amending the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV9 of October 29, 2025, the German export lists (goods lists) were amended, among other things. The amendments came into force on November 1, 2025.

With Amendment Regulation No. 2025/2003, the updated version of the EU Dual-Use Goods List in accordance with Annex I to EU Regulation No. 2021/821 was published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 14, 2025. It entered into force on November 15, 2025.

Approximately 40 percent of our exports to the U.S. are affected by tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives. VDMA is working to find a solution to these trade barriers with our most important export market.

In the VDMA survey "Reporting obligations in Europe", VDMA members report on their experiences and challenges with reporting obligations for work assignments in Europe.

Switzerland is considered an attractive place to work, but the registration and authorization procedures for work assignments are complex and vary from canton to canton. Numerous checks are carried out.

Bertram Kawlath's trip focused on raw material and economic security.

The Consular Section of the Indian Consulate General in Frankfurt am Main has confirmed the introduction of the e-arrival Card in October 2025.

The global business situation in the mechanical engineering sector shows light and shade - with significant regional differences. Positive signals are coming from India and Brazil, while the business situation in China and the USA remains difficult.

From April 1 to 3, 2026, the mechanical engineering industry will meet in Astana for the Kazakhstan Machinery Fair, the leading platform for industrial technologies in Central Asia.

Ukraine is responding to the massive damage to its energy system caused by Russian attacks with a strategic reorientation: decentralized energy generation.

China’s new government procurement policy effective January 2026, redefines “domestic products” through strict localization criteria. For German mechanical engineering firms, it brings short-term compliance challenges—but also long-term opportunities

Vollmer Japan Co, Ltd. celebrated its 25th anniversary in Nagoya on October 21.

The European Commission has published the Combined Nomenclature (commodity codes) for 2026. There are only a few changes relevant to mechanical engineering.

Visa-free travel extended for 45 countries

CBAM: The EU has decided on simplifications.

Egypt is expanding the mandatory CargoX system to air freight shipments.

The Singapore Summit has been the meeting place for VDMA members in the ASEAN region for ten years. The new VDMA liaison office aims to strengthen the mechanical engineering network in Southeast Asia.

For the first time in 26 years, ASEAN has expanded its ranks, with Timor-Leste officially admitted as the grouping’s 11th member on 26 Oct 2025.

In September, the ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 51.6 from 51.0 in August, marking the strongest improvement since July 2024 and signalling continued expansion in the ASEAN manufacturing sector.

Global manufacturing is at a crossroads. Companies must balance workforce investment with automation, boosting productivity, retaining Gen Z talent, and preparing for AI-powered “dark factories” to stay competitive and future-ready.

Our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members for many years.