Incoming orders April 2020
Mechanical engineering: orders fall by almost a third
The coronavirus pandemic continues to make itself felt in the mechanical engineering industry's order books. As announced by the VDMA, incoming orders fell by 31% in April 2020 compared to the previous year.
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic hit the German mechanical and plant engineering industry hard in April. "As expected, coronavirus has left a deep mark on the order books of the mechanical engineering sector. Incoming orders in April fell short of the previous year's level by a total of 31% in real terms. This is the sharpest decline since the 2008/2009 financial crisis," said VDMA Chief Economist Dr. Ralph Wiechers.
Domestic orders fell by 25%. Orders from abroad even fell by 34%, with the decline from euro countries (minus 33%) and non-euro countries (minus 34%) being almost equally high. "The sharp decline is in line with the results of the VDMA Corona Flash Survey from mid-April, in which 77% of respondents complained about noticeable or even serious disruptions on the demand side," explained Wiechers.
In the less volatile three-month period from February to April 2020, incoming orders fell by 14% in real terms compared to the previous year. Domestic orders were down ten percent, while foreign orders remained 16 percent below the previous year's level. Orders from eurozone countries fell by 15 percent, while orders from non-eurozone countries were down 17 percent. as
You might also be interested in
Maschinenbau: Lieferketten stabilisieren sich
Die wirtschaftlichen Folgen für die Maschinenbauer sind laut VDMA gravierend, die Auftragslage ist weiter angespannt. Aber die Probleme mit gerissenen Lieferketten relativieren sich langsam.
read more...Messe abgesagt: AMB 2020 findet als Forum statt
Die AMB in Stuttgart findet in diesem Jahr nicht als traditionelle Messe statt. Stattdessen soll vom 14. bis 18. September 2020 ein Forum mit begleitender Table-Top-Ausstellung realisiert werden. Die nächste reguläre AMB ist erst für 2022 geplant.
read more...Produktpiraterie schädigt Maschinenbau in Milliardenhöhe
Laut der vom VDMA in Auftrag gegebenen Studie „Produktpiraterie 2020“ entsteht durch Plagiate ein jährlicher Schaden von 7,6 Milliarden Euro. Viele Fälschungen bedeuten außerdem eine Gefahr für den Betrieb von Maschinen und Anlagen.
read more...VDMA at the Hannover Messe 2026
Trade associations provide impetus for networked production
The specialist associations for drive technology and fluid technology will be showcasing their contributions to Industry 4.0, automation, digitalization and defence-related manufacturing technologies at the Hannover Messe.
read more...Industrial policy | Commentary
Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA): Associations criticize "Buy Europe" strategy
The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) is intended to accelerate European industry. Business associations fear additional bureaucracy instead of real acceleration and are calling for fewer regulations and more strategy.
read more...The bottom of the valley is no place to linger
Where the precision tool industry stands now
At the press conference of the VDMA Precision Tools Association, the precision tools industry presents the annual balance sheet for 2025: production decline, export development, shortage of raw materials and outlook for 2026.
read more...Ralph Lehleuter becomes Chairman of the VDMA Executive Board Automated Solutions
Ralph Lehleuter (Mafu Group) takes over as Chairman of the VDMA Automated Solutions Division. Focus on AI, innovation, competitiveness and defense.
read more...50 years of productronica - A trade fair preview
From November 18 to 21, 2025, the international electronics industry will meet in Munich for Productronica, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. A preview of the trade fair.
read more...VDMA Robotics and Automation Association
Kuka CEO Michael Jürgens takes over Management Board mandate
Kuka CEO Dr. Michael Jürgens has been appointed to the board of the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association. He wants to drive AI and automation forward.
read more...