The order intake in mechanical and plant engineering in Germany has decreased by a real 5 percent in August 2026 compared to the previous year. All key figures were declining: Domestic orders fell by 2 percent, while foreign orders decreased by a total of 6 percent. The decline from Euro partner countries was twice as large at 10 percent compared to non-Euro countries (minus 5 percent). 'After two months of growth, this result is a slight dampener. However, it should be noted that there were no large plant orders in August this year, unlike the previous year,' explains VDMA Chief Economist Dr. Johannes Gernandt.
'For the first eight months of 2026, we have an order increase of 4 percent in the books, but this is also based on a weak previous year and the two months of March and June with many large orders. Overall, there is still a lack of new investment dynamics that would indicate a lasting economic upturn. We are also very concerned that particularly domestic orders continue to shrink month by month. This shows how troubled the location Germany is and how urgently it needs comprehensive reforms to regain investors' confidence,' summarizes Dr. Gernandt.
In the less volatile three-month period from June to August 2026, orders increased by a real 7 percent overall. A 1 percent decline in domestic orders was recorded, while foreign orders rose by 11 percent. Orders from non-Euro countries increased by 19 percent, while Euro countries were 9 percent below the previous year's period.
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