CHINA - AN (UN)EQUAL PARTNER?

China's importance for the European mechanical engineering industry is as great as ever, but there is increasing discord in day-to-day business. Germany and the EU therefore need to examine the trade policy tools they use. An analysis.

THE "R-WORD" HANGS ABOVE THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Many industrialized and emerging countries are experiencing an economic downturn. It remains to be seen whether this will turn into a global recession. But the burden companies have to bear is increasing - also because politics has become so unpredictable.

SOBERING NEWS ON ARGENTINA'S ECONOMY

German mechanical engineering companies had high hopes for business in Argentina. But large-scale projects have been put on hold pending the elections in October.

KONNICHIWA, ROBOT

What happens when the population declines and the workforce dwindles? The robots come. Production and imports to Japan are growing significantly.

AFRICA: A TOP PRIORITY FOR GERMANY

Why Chancellor Angela Merkel, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and VDMA are promoting the expansion of hydraulic technology, mechatronics and electronic engineering in Botswana - but in other countries too.

BREXIT: HOPE FOR THE BEST, PREPARE FOR THE WORST

The EU member states have adopted a draft agreement on the modalities of Great Britain's withdrawal from the EU. But since the deal might be vetoed by the British parliament, companies should still prepare for a possible hard Brexit.

BRAZIL AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: BETWEEN HOPE AND FEAR

New President Jair Bolsonaro will pose a real test for democracy in Brazil. What consequences will the election have on mechanical and plant engineering companies in the country?

HOW TO DEAL WITH CHINA?

China is not only a huge market for European companies, but also a major competitor. The EU now wants to establish tighter control of Chinese investments in Europe - a step that is sparking controversial debates within the industry community.

TRADE POLICY BY TWITTER

WARNING: By the time you read this text, it might already be out of date - thanks to the latest tweet from the American President. That is how trade policy works these days...

NEW FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EU AND MEXICO

Important trade liberalization further boosts trade in mechanical engineering goods.

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP AGAIN ON THE WORLD MACHINERY MARKET

Turnover for machinery and plants in 2017 hit 2.6 trillion euros - a 1 percent increase over the previous year. The machinery market in Europe developed especially well, with turnover rising by 6 percent.

TRADE POLICY REACHES A CROSSROADS

Free trade is essential for the existence of mechanical engineering. Exports account for around 77 percent of the German sales of 224 billion euros (2017). 660,000 jobs depend directly on these exports. More than one third of exports already go to countries with high import barriers.