Markets & Economy - vdma.eu

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

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 "customs deal" is increasingly being called into question by the US - is now being investigated whether robotics and industrial machinery pose a threat to US security. The EU must make it clear: European mechanical engineering is not a security risk!

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.

Strategic Insights and Practical Solutions for Industry Leaders

The EU and India want to conclude negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year. VDMA would welcome such an agreement, provided that key demands of the European machinery and equipment manufacturing industry are also considered.

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.

Our investment chartpack offers you comprehensive insights into the current trends and challenges facing our industry.

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".

Long-term assembly projects in the UK can only be implemented with a skilled worker visa. Due to the recent tightening of salary and qualification requirements, many technical professions are excluded.

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 finalised on 23 September 2025 the negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). VDMA welcomes this, as our export-oriented industry needs new markets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The number of employees in the mechanical engineering sector in Germany fell slightly in the first half of the year, but companies are holding on to their core workforces even in turbulent times.

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)

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.

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 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.

Salary benchmarks for selected professional positions in Chinese mechanical engineering - exclusively for members

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.