Incoming orders in mechanical and plant engineering
Momentum from abroad brings slight easing
Slight easing in the order books: Orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany rose by 4% in real terms in July compared to the previous year.
The impetus came exclusively from non-euro countries, where orders rose by 10%. As a result, foreign orders also rose by 7% overall in the month under review. However, domestic business and incoming orders from euro partner countries remained at the previous year's level. "Business with countries outside the eurozone was also boosted by orders for large systems, and July was a comparatively weak month last year.
Overall, momentum in the current year remains subdued after seven months with an increase in orders of 2%," says VDMA Chief Economist Dr. Johannes Gernandt. "Of course, the uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policy plays a role here. But the ongoing reform backlog in Germany and Europe is also paralyzing investment. The promised relief for companies must come in the autumn, and the German government in particular has its word on this," warns Dr. Gernandt.
In the less volatile three-month period from May to July 2025, companies also recorded an overall increase in orders of 2% in real terms. Domestic orders fell by 1%, while orders from abroad increased by 3%. Orders from euro countries increased by 14%, while non-euro countries recorded a 1% drop.
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