NEWS

German Machine Tools See Mixed Results

The German machine tool industry experienced a 10% decline in orders in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Domestic orders fell by 30%, while foreign orders remained stable. However, March brought a glimmer of hope with a 2% increase in orders, driven primarily by demand from abroad, particularly from the Eurozone. Europe remained the top sales market, with a noticeable increase in demand from key countries. Asia saw positive growth again, increasing by 6%, with China recording slight growth and replacing the USA as the most important single market for German machine tools. Medical technology and aviation are generating strong demand, and there are signs of recovery in the engineering sector. However, the automotive industry, export controls, and high costs remain major obstacles to a turnaround, and it's too soon to speak of a trend reversal due to increased international uncertainty.