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An industry expert from the Africa Business Network in Côte d'Ivoire has been identifying specific business opportunities for German suppliers of environmental technologies since November 2024. One focus is also on projects in the water sector.

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 China and with key data on the Chinese water sector.

A target market analysis is usually prepared for projects within the scope of the market development program. We have compiled an overview of the projects in the water industry up to 2025.

With an update every two months, which is exclusively available for download to VDMA member companies, we provide you with up-to-date information on German exports of water and wastewater technology.

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 France and with key data on the French water sector.

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 France and with key data on the French water sector.

An industry expert of the Business Network Africa in Egypt identifies concrete business opportunities for German suppliers in the water industry.

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 Egypt and with key data on the Egyptian water sector.

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.

With an update that is exclusively available to VDMA member companies for download, we provide you with up-to-date information on German exports of process technology.

Process plant and equipment from Germany in demand abroad.

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 India and with key data on India's water sector.

For the orientation of VDMA member companies, the German Engineering Federation has created a new data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with Brazil.

The new Indian Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order affects packaging machines, filling machines and machines for thermal processes and separation technology, among other things.

The calls for tenders for a 3rd tranche 2025 in the BMWK market development program have been published online on the website of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).

For the guidance of member companies, the VDMA Process Equipment and Machinery Association has updated a data sheet on foreign trade in machinery with Portugal.

With an update that is exclusively available to VDMA member companies for download, we provide you with up-to-date information on exports of water and wastewater technology from Germany.

Development of German exports of mechanical engineering/process engineering machinery and apparatus, country shares, most important machinery supplier countries incl. goods shares, EU exports

The EU and India have concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. This could be a “game changer” for the engineering industry. What steps are now necessary for the agreement to enter into force?

With their ratification, Argentina and Uruguay have cleared the way for the trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states. The EU should decide as quickly as possible to apply the agreement provisionally now.

Following a decline of 5.4 percent in the previous year, the mechanical and plant engineering industry in Baden-Württemberg has once again recorded a decline in exports for 2025.

Four out of five machines produced in Germany are destined for customers abroad. But the export business is becoming increasingly difficult - not least due to the growing number of trade barriers. The motto is to find new markets.

Brazil has changed the import duties for selected steel products and capital goods. For products without national production, there is still the possibility of a temporary reduction via the ex-tarifário regime.

This article is available exclusively in German, as its content and legal assessment are based on German legislation and case law.

Die neue geopolitische Situation löst ein verstärktes Interesse an Rüstungsprojekten aus. Sitzt der Kunde im Ausland (einschließlich EU), müssen eventuell bestehende Exportbeschränkungen beachtet werden.

The Court's decision is a victory for the rules-based system, but it could lead to more confusion and uncertainty for European machine manufacturers and their American customers. The key points are summarized below.

China is one of the most important markets in mechanical engineering - at the same time, pressure from Chinese competitors is growing. VDMA Vice President Jakschik talks about fair and unfair competitive advantages and necessary reforms in Germany and Europe.

Mechanical engineering exports from Germany have once again fallen noticeably to just under 200 billion euros in 2025. Tariffs and other trade barriers worldwide are slowing down exports - and there is still no real improvement in sight for 2026.

The Argentina-US trade and investment agreement aims to lower tariffs and trade barriers, limit unfair practices and strengthen cooperation and competitiveness.

VDMA calls on the EU and Australia to swiftly conclude the Free Trade Agreement and thus send another positive signal.

The VDMA Foreign Trade Department regularly organizes professional web events focused on current customs regulations.

Since February 1, 2026, the euro has been the sole means of payment in Bulgaria, thus completing a key economic transition phase.

The mechanical engineering industry in Germany closed the year 2025 with zero growth in order books. Overall, the mood in the sector has recently brightened slightly.

The EU-Mercosur agreement is very important at a political level and the Brazilian economy sees it as a strategic impulse.

The EU-Parliament has referred the agreement with Mercosur to the EU-Court of Justice for review. VDMA supports the Commission's intention to proceed with the provisional application of the agreement following ratification by two Mercosur countries.

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

The EU's free trade agreement with India sends out a very important signal in favor of rules-based trade and against the law of the jungle. The elimination of customs duties and technical barriers to trade provides an urgently needed boost to competition.

As global supply chains shift, ASEAN’s strategic importance grows. This publication offers data-driven insights, manufacturing trends, and member experiences shaping growth in Southeast Asia, in collaboration with GTAI and EDB.

VDMA President Bertram Kawlath visited Brazil. Talks on the EU-Mercosur agreement, company visits and institutional dialog strengthened the strategic partnership.

External shocks and home-grown problems are weakening the country's competitiveness.

Contrary to online reports, the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) has not issued new guidelines for calculating the metal value in machinery products. Until new guidelines are published, the VDMA is sticking to its previous methodology.

The free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur is of the utmost importance for European industry. The EU Council of Ministers must act now and give its approval.

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.

The VDMA Foreign Trade team keeps an eye on business opportunities in Western Europe/EU and Southeast Europe. Newsletter in English.

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.

The trilogue meeting on the eDeclaration scheduled for 8 December has been postponed. VDMA is committed to ensuring that negotiations on the final wording are concluded as soon as possible.

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 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.

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

In the first nine months of 2025, the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Baden-Württemberg recorded a significant decline in exports.

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.

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.

Machinery exports from Germany fell by 3.1% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025. Exports to the USA fell by 9.4 percent. US tariffs therefore urgently need to be renegotiated.

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.

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.

In 2025, Beijing tightened its export controls on rare earths — first in April, then with an expanded set of measures in October. These developments have had a significant impact on the mechanical engineering industry.

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

CBAM: The EU has decided on simplifications.

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

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

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.

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 members' meeting for all mechanical engineering sectors in Brazil will take place on 6 November. VDMA President Bertram Kawlath, who has represented the association in Europe since 2024, will also take part in the panel discussions.

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.

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.

In August, incoming orders were disappointing with a decline of 7% compared to the previous year. Orders from non-euro countries in particular fell sharply - an effect of US customs policy.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 first round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the UAE took place in June 2025. VDMA hopes that this will result in an agreement to abolish localization requirements, amongst other things.

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

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.

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 in the mechanical engineering sector fell by 6% in real terms in April compared to the previous year. An expected setback, given the uncertainty caused by US 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 Council has adopted its negotiating mandate on the eDeclaration. This is a first step towards less bureaucracy in the area of posting of workers.

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

Letters of credit or advance payment are not very attractive in a competitive environment. Credit insurance for payment terms is an alternative. These are also an entry into export financing.

The EU and the United Kingdom have decided to enter into a dialog on the entry and stay of persons for business purposes. The VDMA hopes that this will facilitate work assignments in the United Kingdom.

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.

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 first quarter of 2025 resulted in an overall increase in orders of 4% - the first positive quarterly balance of orders in three years. March also closed with a pleasing increase in orders of 4%.

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.

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.

In light of Trump’s tariffs, analysts highlight ASEAN’s risks from trade tensions but remain optimistic about the region's resilience. Singapore’s semiconductor industry stays cautious, exporters diversify suppliers and customers amid uncertainties.

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 Hermes Annual Report for Export Credit Guarantees 2024 has been published. The figures show how relevant the protection of export receivables against crises is.

The blanket punitive tariffs announced by Donald Trump will harm producers and consumers in both regions - and will exacerbate rather than resolve trade conflicts.

In February, order books in the mechanical engineering sector filled up unexpectedly strongly by 8% in real terms. Part of this growth was due to large-scale plant business and part to component business.

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.

The mechanical engineering industry in Brazil will benefit from the simplification of certificates of origin through self-certification in Mercosur.

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

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has published an amendment to the Quality Control Order for Machinery in the Gazette of India, according to which products listed therein will require a market access mark from September 1, 2026.

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

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.

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.

Since March 17, 2025, the notification procedure for employees posted to Switzerland has been handled exclusively via the EasyGov portal. The previous application for reporting short stays was deactivated on March 14, 2025.

After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.

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.

Sign up via MyVDMA – and receive clear, relevant updates to help you navigate international trade.

Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.

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.

Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.

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.

The tips for business success in the United States have been updated. The exclusive publication for VDMA members is now available in German and English.

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.

Correspondents at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provide daily updates on economic developments in over 50 countries. This article covers all you need to know about mechanical engineering in Africa. Stay informed about the most important issues.

The VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter provides you with topics relevant to the mechanical engineering industry and information on events.

Current information, analyses and events on export financing, as well as Hermes cover in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.

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.

There are many reasons for European companies to think about diversification of supply chains, production sites and sales markets. Indonesia is increasingly coming into focus in the machinery and plant engineering sector.

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.

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

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

Mechanical engineering is one of the world's strongest export industries. Almost every company is involved in customs-related processes when exporting machines, spare parts, or complete systems.

The "Practice in Africa" section provides first-hand reports on market entry. Mechanical engineers are included, so it's worth a look.

Here you can find information about the modules "Foreign trade in machinery (annual values)" and "German, EU27 and UK foreign trade in machinery (monthly values)" of the VDMA statistics database.

Official platform provides bundled and free information on Africa business.

The mechanical engineering industry is constantly faced with major challenges. From opening up new countries and markets to optimizing existing activities. VDMA Foreign Trade provides you with active support!

VDMA Foreign Trade provides practical insights for your export business - up-to-date, comprehensible and specifically for the mechanical engineering industry.

The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.

Follow the activities of VDMA Foreign Trade and stay up to date.

We have received new information that certification is waivable for certain exports to Saudi Arabia.

Export control is sometimes underestimated, sometimes overestimated. VDMA members can get advice and help from the VDMA to identify and comply with export restrictions and avoid unnecessary expense.

The federal government has promised the German economy a wide range of aid in order to mitigate the damage of the pandemic in the best possible way.

The VDMA foreign trade team supports member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering - practical, direct and competent in all questions concerning foreign business.

Companies from the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering sector can find a quick overview of international activities in North Rhine-Westphalia and of support and information services here.