Keyword: Economy

The order intakes in mechanical engineering decreased by a real 6 percent in April compared to the previous year. An expected dampener, given the uncertainty caused by US tariff policy.

The mechanical engineering sector started the year with a cautious export result. However, March showed a slight upward trend. But the weaknesses of the markets in China and the EU remain significant.

The turned parts industry looks back on a difficult year – between declines and upheavals, the hope for stabilization is at the forefront for 2025. In Fulda, manufacturers, machine builders, and tool specialists came together to discuss opportunities at the spring meeting of the turned parts association.

The first quarter of 2025 resulted in an order increase of a total of 4 percent - it was the first positive quarterly balance of orders in three years. March also closed with a pleasing order increase of 4 percent.

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the USA decreased by an annual rate of 0.3 percent in the first quarter of 2025 (January, February, and March), reports the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

VDMA is filling two key positions: Dr. Johannes Gernandt will become the chief economist of the association, succeeding Dr. Ralph Wiechers. Oliver Richtberg will be the new head of foreign trade, succeeding Ulrich Ackermann.

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