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We produce monthly data sheets on various sectors, categories and countries based on data from Euromonitor International. We publish these via the NuV-Telegram newsletter and make them available for download here.

The global food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic growth sectors. Plastic dominates sales of retail packaging for food and beverages.

Spain increased its exports of meat processing machinery by 3.1% in 2024. Companies exported machines worth 77 million euros.

Italy increased its exports of meat processing machinery by 3.8% in 2024. Companies achieved a record level of 182 million euros in foreign trade.

The future prospects of the supplier industry for the meat and protein sector are positive, as the global food industry is developing dynamically. Germany is on its way to becoming the leading market for meat substitute products.

For several years now, we have been producing monthly data sheets on various sectors, categories and countries based on data from Euromonitor International. We publish the latest editions via the monthly newsletter NuV-Telegram.

In this member information of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association you will find an overview of the services offered by the VDMA in the area of markets and economy.

The newsletter "Afrika aktuell" is published four times a year with main focus on developments and projects in the field of food production.

Whether sausages, schnitzel or burgers - the trend towards meat substitutes is unbroken. But what does the world market for them look like? What are the trends? Here you will find the answers.

The BME CEE Forum offers individual matchmaking discussions, workshops and up-to-date insights into procurement strategies in 18 Central and Eastern European countries.

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.

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.

In July 2025, 277 new fire department vehicles were registered in Germany.

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 world's largest trade fair for LNG, gas and hydrogen is returning to Milan this year. German participation with 33 exhibitors and another 20 members from DACH.

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.

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.

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 new industry expert of the Africa Business Network in Angola identifies concrete business opportunities for German suppliers of food processing machinery, packaging machinery and agricultural technology.

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

Incoming orders in May were a positive surprise - albeit on a weak prior-year basis. Overall, companies have recorded a small increase in orders so far this year, but global uncertainty remains high.

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.

In our quarterly report, we provide you with information on India's macroeconomic development, as well as detailed information on the manufacturing industry and individual sectors with a particular focus on machinery and equipment.

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.

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.

In May 2025, 257 new firefighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

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.

Current forecasts, key figures and background information on agricultural framework conditions, business and market development - worldwide, in Europe and in Germany.

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) finance numerous projects in developing and emerging countries worldwide.

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.

The global business situation in the mechanical engineering sector remains mixed. While India and Brazil are impressing with good figures, China is struggling with structural challenges. The USA is characterized by the latest 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 obligation to comply with energy efficiency standards for newly established data centers is being discussed.

Despite a recovery at the start of the year, the outlook for China remains worrying. Electrification is driven forward on a big scale. VDMA met at Herrenknecht's impressive TBM plant in Guangzhou.

How well do you know the VDMA statistics database? And how often do you use it? Join us on a half-hour tour and get to know our wide range of data.

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.

In April 2025, 329 new firefighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

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 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 Shanghai-Germany Manufacturing Industry Exchange Dialogue was held on April 1, 2025, at Hannover Messe, co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government and VDMA.

Intercompany license agreements between the parent company in Germany/Europe and the subsidiary in China are of considerable importance in practice.

New tariffs for European goods in trade with the USA.

In March 2025, 282 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

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.

EU machinery and equipment manufacturing companies currently rate their competitive position as worse than the long-term average. This is particularly true to companies based in Germany.

India's Interim Union Budget for 2024 projects a reduction in the revised fiscal deficit and a decline in inflation. These key economic indicators signal a promising future for the Indian economy, even amidst global economic uncertainties.

The US government's tariff policy could result in a 4% drop in production by Japanese car manufacturers.

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.

China’s Two Sessions 2025 spotlight a bold industrial shift—AI, 6G, digitalization, and smart manufacturing are set to reshape the machinery sector in the coming years.

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

What impact will tariff decisions have on transatlantic relations or the global agricultural machinery trade? And how will the EU's change of course away from the Green Deal affect our industry?

Business relationships with South Africa are already well established among many VDMA members.

The VDMA supports ways to make sustainable use of market opportunities in Ukraine and for Ukraine.

"Poland is a real dairy country. More than six million cattle are currently kept between the Carpathian Mountains and the Baltic Sea".

Singapore’s Budget 2025 presents significant opportunities for businesses to reduce costs, invest in workforce development, and adopt digital innovations.

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.

In February, the ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 51.5, the highest in seven months, from 50.4 in January. This marks the highest reading since July 2023.

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

In Central Asia and the South Caucasus, construction is booming thanks to government investment. At the same time, Ukraine needs more than 500 billion euros for reconstruction over the next 10 years - an enormous potential for mechanical engineering.

New orders for machinery in Japan fell by 3.5% in January compared to the previous month, while the order backlog reached a record high due to a shortage of labor and transportation capacity.

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.

The machinery and equipment industry in Europe can hold its own in the face of increasingly tough global competition - if the promised relief comes and companies push ahead with their transformation.

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.

In February 2025, 243 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

Last year, agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers in Germany recorded a noticeable double-digit decline in sales.

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.

The quarterly report "Machinery & Equipment in China" contains relevant key figures such as production, sales, profit and investment trends in the local mechanical engineering industry as well as important customer industries in China.

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

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.

The right conditions are crucial for renewed growth. bauma 2025, the world's leading trade fair for the sector, will provide the impetus.

Current forecasts, key figures and background information on agricultural framework conditions, business and market development - worldwide, in Europe and in Germany.

In January 2025, 201 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

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

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 study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.

The overall result for orders in 2024 in the mechanical and plant engineering sector is disappointing. The wait for a turnaround continues. Better framework conditions in Germany are an important aspect of this.

The mood in the mechanical engineering sector remains tense, with one in three companies rating their own situation as poor. Business prospects are a small ray of hope - but reforms are urgently needed.

After stagnating at a level of between 400 and 500 million euros in the last decade, German mechanical engineering exports to Kazakhstan have almost doubled to 900 million euros in 2023.

The mechanical engineering sector is calling for a reform of export financing to strengthen competitiveness and promote a level playing field.

In December 2024, 317 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

A small ray of hope in orders from eurozone countries in November does not change the overall weather situation: orders in the mechanical engineering sector are not gaining momentum.

At the end of 2024, Switzerland and the EU managed to redefine their relations. It is questionable whether the necessary referendum in Switzerland will accept the rules.

7th edition of bauma Conexpo India offers a strong platform. VDMA members remain confident about the Indian market and export opportunities from Indian production.

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.

These were some of the topics discussed at the meeting of the Steering Committee Asia which took place at Zeche Zollverein before the Industry Meeting Mining & Minerals 2024.

Rio Tinto received a delegation of 14 member companies from VDMA Mining & Minerals from 25 to 27 November 2024. The Australian mining group is in the starting blocks to mine one of the world's largest lithium deposits.

Heavy seas and no calm in sight: the mechanical engineering industry expects a decline in production and a slight reduction in jobs in 2025. A political turnaround is needed to strengthen the industry.

In November, the VDMA conducted an international end customer survey to shed light on the economic situation of agricultural businesses in the most important export markets.

In November 2024, 304 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany.

Asia's leading trade fair sees a brilliant comeback with record exhibitor and visitor numbers. Industry sentiments defy subdued outlook for the Chinese market.

Order books in the mechanical engineering sector remain weak, with 9% fewer orders booked in October than in the previous year. Customers remain hesitant to make new investments

India remains an attractive growth market for the mechanical engineering sector. Numerous local German companies are looking to expand, according to the latest VDMA survey.

China wants to promote the development of domestic sorting technology. The expansion of the textile recycling industry is being promoted by the state, provinces and municipalities.

Current forecasts, key figures and background information on general agricultural conditions, business and market development - worldwide, in Europe and in Germany.

A weak global economy and many structural problems at home are weighing on the export business in the mechanical engineering sector. Exports fell by a good 5 percent in the first nine months.

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).

310 new fire fighting vehicles were registered in Germany in October 2024.

The U.S. government has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit the importation of vehicles equipped with Chinese or Russian hardware or software.

The U.S. Department of Treasury issued the final rule restricting certain investments in the Chinese semiconductor and microelectronics, quantum computing and artificial intelligence sectors.

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.

Regional harvest forecasts can be a decisive guideline for agricultural machinery sales. After all, satellite data makes it possible to calculate very precise forecasts - even weeks before the harvest.

This overview highlights the key differences and similarities between the trade policy of the two U.S. presidential candidates.

Since October 1, 2024, companies and self-employed persons working on temporary or mobile construction sites in Italy have been required to have a construction site driver's license. It is now also possible for foreign applicants to apply.

India is an important growth market for the European mechanical engineering industry. At the same time, India is one of the last high-duty countries in the mechanical engineering sector. A free trade agreement is therefore urgently needed.

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.

The mechanical and plant engineering industry in Baden-Württemberg is facing a number of pressing challenges.

In September 2024, 236 new fire department vehicles were registered in Germany.

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

According to the latest VDMA survey, the mood and prospects in the mechanical engineering sector have deteriorated noticeably. This makes it all the more urgent for politicians to finally set the course for new growth.

In this exclusive publication, we present Kamala Harris’s trade policy agenda and provide an assessment of the potential impact on machinery and equipment manufacturers.

In August, incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector increased by 7% compared to the previous year. However, the upward outlier is not yet a trend reversal; special factors were responsible for the result.

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 December 2024, the EU bodies agree to postpone the start of implementation by 1 year.

On September 13, 2024, the Biden Administration released the final version of its four-year review of Section 301 tariffs, which includes sweeping tariff hikes on selected Chinese goods.

The "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) will be extended to numerous European countries from April 2025. The application is possible from 5 March 2025.

India has established itself as one of the up-and-coming markets for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry.

The discussion about "De-risking China" is in full swing in our industry. India is increasingly coming into focus as a growth market with high economies of scale.

Following last year's price-adjusted decline in turnover, global machinery turnover is expected to rise by a moderate 1 percent in price-adjusted terms in 2025.

The customers of the VDMA Mining & Minerals members are located on all 5 continents. Accordingly, we offer regular forums in steering committees to exchange information on the development of the markets there.

The VDMA Business Survey Q2/2025 ran from June 24 to July 4, 2025 and received arround 1230 responses from 936 companies. The mood remains tense. Many are not expecting turnover growth until 2026.

In the past financial year 2023, the agricultural machinery industry grew once again in Germany as a production location.

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 CECE Annual Economic Report reports on the macroeconomic situation, the development of the construction industry and the key market segments of the European construction equipment industry.

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.

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.

On 14 November, the Latin America Steering Committee of the Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants Association took place online.

Current forecasts, key figures and background information on agricultural conditions, business and market development - worldwide, in Europe and in Germany.

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.

Everything you need to know about worldwide sales, exports and imports

Current information, analyses and events on the African market in the VDMA Foreign Trade Newsletter.

The VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter offers you topics relevant to mechanical engineering and event information. More about our offer here in the video.

VDMA members visit Schwing Stetter India in Cheyyar. Construction industry in India is experiencing a significant upswing. Conditions are right for strong expansion of local production.

On a monthly basis, our economic update gives a brief overview of the ecomomic situation of the construction equipment industry, e.g. order income, turnover, business climate and trade figures.

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.

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.

Updated edition 2023 is available.

VDMA regularly generates data sheets with important indicators for its members. Raw data from various sources are processed for these. The latest data are provdided in our statistics database.

Turkey has announced that only "Türkiye" will be used as the country name in international correspondence.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Egypt has undergone a sometimes tumultous, but overall dynamic economic development.

Up-to-date information and event tips in the VDMA Foreign Trade newsletter.

Southeastern Europe encompasses many different markets - VDMA Foreign Trade provides information

Kenya ranks among the top three economies in sub-Saharan Africa, far behind Nigeria and South Africa, with a GDP of $110 billion (2021).

VDMA Foreign Trade supports and accompanies member companies in expanding foreign sales into future markets with potential.

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

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 starting signal has been given for the new series "Africa - Market in Focus". The first issue provides a concise overview of business in South Africa.

The current report deals with urban supply systems.

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

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.

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 Egyptian Customs Administration has significantly increased the costs for using the new electronic customs system "NAFEZA" with effect from 14.10.2021.

The VDMA eNewsletter Japan provides information on economic developments in Japan.

Get informed about what's happening in China

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

The VDMA statistics database offers all VDMA member companies fast and convenient access to economic information on all aspects of mechanical engineering.

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

Regular exchange on the development of automation technology and the economic situation in the mechanical engineering industries

The Japan Construction Report is provided by the VDMA team in Tokyo. It contains news of the construction, glass and ceramics industry of Japan and is published monthly in German. The most recent report can be downloaded from this website.

Recent market information from the Indian construction and construction equipment industry are summarized in the bi-monthly report made by the VDMA team in Kolkata. The latest issue may be downloaded from this website.

Exclusive country reports for VDMA members to monitor developments in the automotive industry and its suppliers, provided by VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association

The federal states support trade fair activities of SMEs. AUMA has compiled an overview of the support offers.

More and more VDMA members want to find out about the structure and economic situation of their customers or potential partners in China. The VDMA offices in China have taken up this demand and now offer a corresponding service via the local VDMA service company.

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.

An overview of all offers of the trade association for market observation, market information and user industries.

China, India, Japan, USA, Brazil or Singapore: Our VDMA liaison offices abroad help you with your commitment in the most important foreign markets.