In a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainties, the strategic diversification of international sales markets is becoming increasingly important for the German machine tool industry. With the symposium Innovations in Production Technology – Machine Tools from Germany from March 23-25, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, the VDW (Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers) supports its members in establishing a broader presence in Southeast Asia and better leveraging emerging growth markets.
In 2025, Thailand's economy recorded a growth of 2.4 percent. The country is the leading automobile producer in Southeast Asia, with international companies continuing to expand their capacities in Thailand. This industrial environment creates a sustained demand for modern and efficient production technologies. To remain competitive, Thai industrial companies rely heavily on high-precision and reliable machine tools.
Seven German high-tech companies took advantage of the VDW Symposium in Bangkok to explore their opportunities in the Southeast Asian market in front of a total of 116 participants. Hermle, Index, Open Mind Technologies, Profiroll Technologies, Siemens, Trumpf, and United Machining Solutions participated in numerous individual B2B meetings in addition to their respective presentations for the Thai visitors.
Germany is the fourth largest trading partner of Thailand for machine tool imports. Although German imports accounted for only about 4.7 percent of total machine tool imports in 2025, more than half of all imports come from China, German technology continues to enjoy an excellent reputation in the market. 'With established industrial clusters, a well-developed infrastructure, and a strong network of reliable suppliers, Thailand is the manufacturing location in Southeast Asia,' explains Dr. Roland Wein, Managing Director of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce. 'Sustainability and achieving ambitious climate goals require investments, thereby increasing the demand for machines and technologies from German manufacturers. The conclusion of an EU-Thailand free trade agreement will further enhance Thailand's attractiveness as a trade and investment partner,' he adds, looking optimistically to the future. German companies share this view. 'The current business environment in Asia is characterized by challenges due to geopolitical uncertainties and a downturn in the automotive sector. Nevertheless, Thailand continues to offer attractive medium- to long-term potential,' says Michael Schmid of United Grinding (Asia Pacific P/L).
Southeast Asia is becoming the key market for machine tools from Germany
The ASEAN region is becoming increasingly important for Germany as a trading partner, especially when it comes to expanding the range of export countries. In 2023, machines worth 22 million euros were exported from Germany to Thailand. Among the suppliers for Thailand, Germany ranks fourth – behind China, Japan, and Taiwan – but is particularly valued for precision, durability, and technologically advanced solutions. 'The symposium in Thailand was an eye-opening event, at the right time and the right place,' says Dr. Dirk Prust, CEO of Index. 'It is impressive how many capable companies are here looking for the next step in manufacturing technology. As the shift towards electromobility shows similar effects as in Europe, the new focus is: 'small quantities – high variety – fast delivery.' This demand can no longer be met with conventionally deployed machines and processes – a great new opportunity for German machine tools.' Decha Lertvilaisak, General Manager of Trumpf Thailand, also sees a great opportunity in the symposium: 'The VDW Symposium in Bangkok provided us with a great opportunity to present Trumpf's Smart Factory solutions to many potential customers.'
German manufacturers are therefore well positioned to benefit from Thailand's modernization efforts, especially as demand increasingly relates to higher precision and long-term reliability. 'We sell German machine tools with confidence because our customers appreciate the quality and productivity of these products,' reports Kitti Tangsontham, Managing Director of Krasstec Ltd. Company. The company also distributes machines from German machine tool manufacturers in the Thai market.
Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW, concludes: 'The VDW Symposium in Bangkok was successful. The participating companies presented a wide range of different technologies as well as current developments. Networking also enabled an intensive exchange among the participants.'
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