The United States Tariffs and disruption vs. market opportunities - vdma.eu
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The United States are and will remain a key market for the German and European machinery and equipment manufacturing industry as the largest export region and investment location outside of Europe. But with the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, the world of trade has changed fundamentally. Disruption is his leitmotif, tariffs are his favourite tool - even against previously friendly countries. Added to this is an erratic policy that can take a new direction every day.
Navigating this uncertain environment is difficult for all trading partners and all companies. What tariffs are already in place and what might lie ahead for the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry? How can companies respond? The VDMA provides up-to-date assessments and invites you to information events on the new risks in US business - but also on the business opportunities that still exist on the other side of the Atlantic.
Spotlight on US Trade Tariffs
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Industry calls for an "autumn of action"
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A slap in the face for Europe's mechanical engineering industry
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Calculating the U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Derivatives
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Tariff deal with the United States has serious consequences
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The U.S. expands Steel and Aluminum Tariffs every Four Months
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Tariff conflict weighs heavily on machine exports
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The new U.S. tariffs on European imports will take effect on August 7
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US tariffs and Incoterms
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Statement on agreement in tariffs dispute published
Update USA: Tarrif deal? Not really!
According to the European Union, the tariff deal between the USA and the EU is a done deal and, according to the EU Commission, should be seen as a "decision for stability and predictability". In the latest video in the "Update USA" series, USA expert Andrew Adair talks about the fact that this is not the case, however, because in principle the entire mechanical engineering industry benefits nothing from it, but is massively affected by the constant expansion of steel and aluminum tariffs and will be affected more and more. He also talks about what the VDMA is doing to stand up for its members.
"Update USA" video series
In our "Update USA" video series, we provide regular updates on events and news from the USA that affect the mechanical engineering industry. Check back regularly:
Interested in regular USA updates? To the NL subscription.
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 business climate in India and Brazil remains positive. Significant sales growth is once again expected in both countries for the current year.
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 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.
The secure application of the European safety regulations for machines stands in stark contrast to the widespread uncertainty surrounding the corresponding patchwork of American requirements.
The global machinery and equipment manufacturing industry continues to show mixed results: while some countries are reporting positive developments, others are struggling with declines.
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.
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 VDMA has published its first quarterly economic report for the US market for plant and machinery.
Federal, state and local governments all compete to collect taxes. Tax returns may have to be filed for all three levels of government. Double or multiple taxation is sometimes unavoidable.
In 2023, the USA generated a gross domestic product of 27.4 trillion dollars. While the share of manufacturing in the overall economy has declined over the years, the share of mechanical engineering within manufacturing has remained stable.
The USA is the world's largest buyer of machinery and Germany's largest export market. It is also one of the most important supplier countries.
Events
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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
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