Markets & Economy - vdma.eu

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.

Focus 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

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.

The exclusive Chart Pack ASEAN bundles current economic and industry data from Southeast Asia in clear graphics and provides member companies with a well-founded overview of growth trends, trade flows and market opportunities.

China's aggressive economic and trade policy is putting pressure on Europe's mechanical engineering sector. Together with VDMA Italia, Italian companies have discussed ways to deal with this situation.

Mechanical engineering companies in Germany recorded a sharp decline in their order books in September. This also resulted in a slight drop in orders for the first nine months of 2025.

The Access2Markets portal is a powerful online tool provided by the European Union to facilitate international trade in goods.

VDMA Summit in Singapore offers a deep dive on Indonesia. The event is the only networking platform for the mechanical engineering industry in the region.

Brazil has largely abolished visa requirements for technicians and technical services. This is particularly beneficial for typical short-term assignments.

Brazil offers great opportunities, and there is strong support for overcoming the obstacles to market entry, including from the VDMA in Brazil. A further improvement in the general conditions is to be expected.

On October 23, 2025, the EU also published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Belarus. These are two amending regulations that extend the Embargo Regulation No. 765/2006.

On October 23, 2025, the EU published and implemented its 19th sanctions package against Russia. It consists of 3 amending regulations, which amend or extend the Embargo Regulations No. 833/2014 and No. 269/2014.

The Russian central bank is keeping interest rates high while growth is stagnating and inflation is not abating. Stagflation is looming - with structural problems, war and sanctions in the background.

Vietnam is in the midst of a far-reaching administrative reform that is realigning the country politically and economically - with consequences for European mechanical engineering companies.

The shortage of skilled workers is worsening. But those who act early can benefit: The concept of the labor market hub shows how companies can retain skilled workers - and attract new ones - through targeted placement and training.

The additional tariffs imposed by the USA on imports from Southeast Asia are placing a heavy burden on the region.

The U.S. Commerce Department has published American industry’s requests for inclusion in its second round of tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives.

Export financing requires a combination of Hermes knowledge, banking issues and export contracts. A specialist seminar in November explains how to work successfully with banks.

The German export credit guarantees are scoring points. Official experts are now also providing advice in India and Latin America. The new "Flex & Cover" funding category makes it easier to use the cover. New commitments remain restrained.

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.