Economy

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.

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.

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.

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.

Association of the German Turned Parts Industry Discusses Raw Material Situation

For the machinery and plant engineering sector in Germany, April showed a mixed picture. Foreign demand is positive, while domestic demand is declining. Political action is needed to create better conditions at the location in Germany.

In the first quarter of 2026, HERMLE AG was able to increase order intake by 15% and group revenue by 14% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

After a weak start to the year, order intake in mechanical engineering unexpectedly surged in March. Special effects were responsible, which do not indicate the beginning of a broad upswing.

The machine factory Berthold HERMLE AG performed well in 2025 under very turbulent external conditions and developed overall better than expected.

In a conversation with Zerspanungstechnik.de, Managing Director Markus Horn expressed his views on the current situation for precision tool manufacturers, the importance of trade fairs, and politics in Germany.