Economy

The mechanical engineering companies from Baden-Württemberg were able to stabilize their exports slightly by the end of the first half of 2026.

The mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany has started the second half of 2026 with a slight upward trend in the order books.

Geopolitical crises, tariffs, and weak demand in individual countries are collectively burdening foreign trade in mechanical engineering. Free trade agreements and a strong EU internal market remain important.

USA with an increase of 36.0% in order intake

The Association of the German Turning Parts Industry presents its balance for the first half of 2026: A positive development in order intake and revenue brings cautious optimism.

Volatile markets, rising cost pressure, and technological upheavals are putting pressure on the machine tool industry. On the occasion of the 'Chiron Open House 2026', Dr. Claus Eppler, CTO of Chiron, explains why robust machining processes are more important than AI, how the trade fair business has changed, and why automation has now become a crucial success factor.

In the second quarter of 2026, the index of machine tool orders calculated by the Centro Studi & Cultura di Impresa of UCIMU SISTEMI PER PRODURRE recorded a decline of 25.8% compared to the period of April–June 2025. In absolute numbers, the index was at 47.8 (base 100 in 2021).

With the AMB Preview 2026, the Landesmesse Stuttgart has initiated the countdown for the most important industry highlight of 2026. Organizers, exhibitors, and associations presented themselves with anticipation and optimism to the invited trade press.

$583.4 million in new machine orders underscore the economic strength of the USA

The machine builder GMN is investing 28 million euros in a new high-precision production hall for the manufacture of ball bearings

The machine manufacturing companies are still waiting for a significant revival in their order books. In May, they recorded a net order decline of 1 percent in real terms.

MAPAL has already responded to the profound changes worldwide years ago and has consistently further developed its structures and processes. The business development in 2025 met its own expectations.

Mechanical engineering no longer expects growth for 2026

The machine factory Berthold HERMLE AG has developed well in the first five months of 2026.