Mechanical and plant engineering in Germany
Slight increase in incoming orders in October 2025
The German mechanical and plant engineering sector reported a 4% increase in orders in October 2025. Orders from non-euro countries in particular rose significantly, while domestic and euro orders remained stable.
Incoming orders in October 2025: small boost from outside the eurozone
According to today's report by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in Germany rose by 4% in real terms in October compared to the same month last year. This small increase was driven by non-euro countries, which contributed a 9% rise in orders. Orders from Germany and from euro partner countries, on the other hand, remained at the previous year's level. Overall, growth abroad amounted to 6%.
"Only a consolidation at a low level"
"The small increase in orders in October is pleasing, but unfortunately only a consolidation at a low level. October last year was one of the weakest months in 2024, and the continued unfavourable order situation is also reflected in the 2025 annual balance sheet to date: orders in the first ten months were still 1% below the previous year's figure in real terms," says VDMA Chief Economist Dr. Johannes Gernandt.
"Global trade lacks the necessary signals of change"
"The mechanical engineering industry is still treading water," he adds. "There is a lack of the necessary signs of change in global trade and the promised economic reforms that will really relieve the burden on companies."
Three-month trend: decline from August to October
In the less volatile three-month period from August to October 2025, companies recorded an overall drop in orders of 6% in real terms. Domestic orders fell by 3%, while orders from abroad declined by 8%. Orders from eurozone countries fell by 2%, while non-eurozone countries recorded a drop of 10%.
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