The German machine-building industry recorded a slight decline in exports in the first half of 2026, as geopolitical tensions, US tariff policy and persistently weak demand in China continued to put pressure on foreign trade, according to the German Association of the Machine-building industry VDMA.
Exports of machinery and equipment from Germany in nominal terms decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 99.3 billion euros in the January-June period. Taking into account price adjustments, exports decreased by 2.5 percent. Meanwhile, imports of machinery and equipment increased by 2.2% year-on-year to 47.9 billion евро.
High figures for June limit the decline in the first quarter полугодии
Anke Uhlig, an economic expert at VDMA, said relatively stable export activity in the second quarter, combined with a 6.8% year-on-year increase in June, limited the decline recorded in the first half of the year.
However, geopolitical tensions, the US tariff policy and the continued weakness of business relations with China continue to put significant pressure on the sector.
Exports to China decreased by 13,8%
German machinery exports to the United States increased by 0.5 percent year-on-year in the first half of the year, despite the negative impact of the US tariff policy and the strong euro exchange rate. On the contrary, exports to China fell sharply by 13.8 percent, continuing to grow in recent years, there has been weakness in this market.
Exports to the European Union increased by 1.3 percent, while the bloc retained its position as the largest sales region for German machinery with a share of 45.9 percent of total exports. Among the main export destinations to the EU, exports to France increased by 3.6 percent and to the Netherlands by 5.1 percent, while shipments to Italy decreased by 0.5 percent. Other EU countries, especially significant growth was observed in Denmark and Sweden - by 22.5 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively. Outside of Europe, exports to India increased by 11.1%, while shipments to Canada increased by 10%..
The USA remains Germany's largest market for exports of individual machinery and equipment with a share of 13.1%, followed by China with 7.1% and France with 6.9%.
Steel and aluminum tariffs affect перспективы
VDMA expects uncertainty to remain elevated in the second half In 2026. According to the association, US tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives, as well as the possibility of further tariff measures, create additional pressure on businesses with США.
Meanwhile, exports to China are expected to decline starting in 2022. suppliers in international markets will remain on the back of weak demand and growing competitive pressure from China.
Within the EU, the weak volume of orders from the eurozone countries also affects the prospects.
VDMA stated that further free trade agreements and a more efficient EU single market will be important for German equipment manufacturers seeking to diversify their export markets in the face of ongoing trade and geopolitical uncertainty.
There are no comments yet.