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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 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 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.
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.
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 EU finance ministers have decided that Bulgaria will officially join the eurozone on January 1, 2026.
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 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.
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.
From the VDMA's perspective, visa policy and technical interfaces are among the top issues for German-Brazilian cooperation in mechanical engineering. The German-Brazilian Business Days provide an opportunity for exchange.
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.
The publication provides an overview of CECE's activities. It shows the topics with which the CECE is involved at European and international level.
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 for machine tools from China rose by 27.9% (YoY) to 34 billion yen in April, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth. The lively investment activity of local manufacturers continues.
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 obligation to comply with energy efficiency standards for newly established data centers is being discussed.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
"Navigate the Future of the 'Beverage' Industry" - drinktec Day & Press Conference is successfully held
Intercompany license agreements between the parent company in Germany/Europe and the subsidiary in China are of considerable importance in practice.
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.
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.
Tariffs of 25 percent on the import of cars and car parts have been effective since April 3 and May 3, respectively.
Malaysia and Singapore launched the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in January 2025. The new economic initiative aims to drive significant business growth with as many as 50 projects and create 20,000 skilled jobs.
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
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.
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.
After a dry spell of three years, the signs are pointing to growth for the industry.
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.
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.
With a liaison office for the ASEAN region, the VDMA aims to support European mechanical engineering in the region. Tiffany Ang has been representing the VDMA in the ASEAN region based in Singapore since January 6, 2025.
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The study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.
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.
The U.S. Census Bureau has published new figures from the industry statistics by region. They provide information on turnover, value added and the number of employees, among other things. We present this data clearly in an interactive report.
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).
On October 28, the Russian central bank raised the key interest rate to 21 percent. At the same time, it indicated that the interest rate could soon rise even higher. The reasons are high inflation and the overheated economy.
Fabiane Wahlbrink, head of VDMA Brazil, was able to expand the network for mechanical engineering at conferences and trade fairs. The hydrogen industry is just one example.
For many years, our trade fair calendar has served as a valuable guide for our members.
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.
In 2024, German machinery exports to Latin America increased by 0.8% - after three previous years of strong growth. The Chart Pack provides facts and figures on the market.
Competition with China is also becoming tougher on third markets. The VDMA position paper formulates expectations of politicians with regard to China.
We have further expanded our data offering for the USA: The new economic indicators dashboard for the USA now also includes detailed price statistics.
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.
Russia is trying by all means to covertly procure sanctioned goods in the EU. This creates a risk of unintentionally becoming involved in sanctions violations. VDMA Foreign Trade provides tips on how to react to this.
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.
VDMA study shows need for catching up (or pent-up demand) for German financing offers
Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) provides a monthly overview of publications relevant to mechanical engineering on Africa exclusively for VDMA members.
Current information, analyses and events on the African market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.
Africa is in the focus of politics and offers the economy many opportunities. In order for German interests and companies to survive in competition with China, among others, the VDMA is calling for adjustments from policymakers.
Stay successful in a volatile market: VDMA offers an interactive report on European business climate indicators. Follow the developments of your most important European target markets and customer industries at a glance and make informed decisions based on current data.
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.
Updated edition 2023 is available.
Short-term business trips are possible without a visa, but a visa is required for assemblers and service assignments.
Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Egypt has undergone a sometimes tumultous, but overall dynamic economic development.
Removal of government subsidies for water will push investment for wastewater treatment.
Southeastern Europe encompasses many different markets - VDMA Foreign Trade provides information
The government is investing heavily in infrastructure and there are multiple market opportunities, but the economy is also suffering from currency devaluation.
Up-to-date information, analyses and events on the Japanese market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.
Up-to-date information, analyses and events on the Indian market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.
The current report deals with urban supply systems.
Up-to-date information on doing business with Iran.
Peter Steindl, managing partner of FAWEMA GmbH, describes himself as a great friend of Africa. He talks about the company's start in Africa and gives tips on building up business.
Official platform provides bundled and free information on Africa business.
China is aiming for technological supremacy in various industrial fields by 2035. Moreover, China wants to assert this position not only locally but also internationally.
The VDMA eNewsletter Japan provides information on economic developments in Japan.
Get informed about current developments in India.
Get informed about what's happening in China
The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.
We have received new information that certification is waivable for certain exports to Saudi Arabia.
The revision of the tips brochure on doing business in China is now available. It contains highlights on the most important aspects of trading with China and at the same time links them to the respective experts in the VDMA.
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 VDMA member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering. We provide you with practical support in all matters relating to foreign business.
China, India, Japan, USA, Brazil or Singapore: Our VDMA liaison offices abroad help you with your commitment in the most important foreign markets.
