VDMA USA - vdma.eu

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.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is building on Europe's industrial strength. To achieve this, however, the poor customs deal with the USA must be renegotiated.

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.

Numerous machines, including many construction machines, are now subject to the extended new 50 per cent punitive tariffs. The VDMA criticises the poorly negotiated US tariffs and is calling for corrections.

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 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.

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 "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.

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.

The trade fair year 2026 calls solution providers from the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors to Mumbai, Beijing, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, among others. Private sector booths will add extras in Rio and the home market Hamburg.

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.

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.

Global machine turnover is expected to grow by one percent in price-adjusted terms in 2025 compared to the previous year, with significant differences in regional dynamics.

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.

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.

The global machinery and equipment manufacturing industry continues to show mixed results: while some countries are reporting positive developments, others are struggling with declines.

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

US tariffs harm trade worldwide

Morgan Stanley analyzes the ramp-up of a green hydrogen economy in the US and Europe and advises caution when investing, as green hydrogen will remain expensive compared to other sources for the foreseeable future.

The majority of mechanical engineering companies are increasingly uncertain about the US market. An agreement on tariffs between the EU and the USA is now needed quickly. For the benefit of both sides.

The US withholding tax is an essential part of the US tax system.

The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has published a recommendation for action for manufacturers of networked medical devices to reduce vulnerability to cyber attacks and the manipulation of medical data.

The EU-Commission launches public consultations on possible countermeasures in response to Trump's introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs and tariffs on cars and car parts from the EU.

The VDMA informs its members twice a year about the development of the chemical industry in Brazil, China, France, Turkey, the USA and the United Kingdom.

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.

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive employment and wage statistics. In our interactive report, we clearly present data by industry, occupational group and location.

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.

Increasing trade barriers, sanctions and isolation - anyone wanting to do business internationally these days is confronted with high hurdles and conditions in many places.

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

As in the previous year, demand for capital goods was weak in 2024. Machinery and equipment worth an estimated 3.26 trillion euros was sold worldwide, 1.5% less than in 2023.

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.

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.

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.

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

The VDMA has published its first quarterly economic report for the US market for plant and machinery.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk may appear to be saviors - in reality, they are more like "wrecking balls". VDMA President Bertram Kawlath argues against this in an interview.

Many VDMA members are considering investing in the US market for the first time or deepening existing investments. We invite you to an interactive conference in presence on March 25, 2025.

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.

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final rules that prohibit the sale or import of vehicles equipped with hardware or software associated with Chinese or Russian-controlled entities.

Donald Trump's economic program could be a test of strength for Europe. This makes it all the more important that the EU now acts as one, especially on trade issues.

Every year, more than 600 VDMA members supply process technology components and systems to 150 countries around the world. Here you will find the current process technology trade fair lists.

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.

VDMA member companies see the US market as an opportunity and are cautiously optimistic about the coming years. Many are building on good or even very good competitiveness, but this must be defended.