After a subdued start to the year, the order books in mechanical and plant engineering filled up unexpectedly strongly in February, both from abroad and domestically. Overall, companies recorded an order increase of 8 percent in real terms compared to the previous year, with domestic orders surprising even more at plus 11 percent than foreign orders, which grew by 7 percent (Euro countries: plus 4 percent, non-Euro countries: plus 9 percent). "Part of this growth is based on large plant business, part on component business for ongoing production worldwide. Inventory levels have largely been depleted, and reorders are necessary. Investments in new machines or even machine parks are still far too rare. In short: February was - finally once again! - a good month in a - unfortunately! - still unchanged difficult environment," says VDMA Chief Economist Dr. Ralph Wiechers.
In the less volatile three-month period from December 2024 to February 2025, companies recorded an order increase of 4 percent in real terms compared to the previous year. Domestic business (minus 5 percent) saw significant declines, while foreign business was able to grow (plus 8 percent). Euro countries ordered 6 percent more machines and plants during this period, while non-Euro countries placed 8 percent more orders.
Source: VDMA
