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WARNING: By the time you read this text, it might already be out of date - thanks to the latest tweet from the American President.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.

"BUY RUSSIAN REGULATIONS DO NOT MAKE LIFE EASIER"

Russia is seen as a key market in mechanical engineering. What is the status quo and what are the predictions for the future? VDMAimpulse spoke to VDMA's Russia expert Sven Flasshoff.

CHINA ON COURSE FOR EXPANSION, BUT MORE OPENNESS NEEDED

Trade relations with China are good, but there is always room for improvement. According to the analysis by VDMA’s China expert Oliver Wack, we need more protection of expertise, more free trade, and fewer market barriers. And both Germany and the EU need to develop a strategy for dealing with China in future.

MEXICO: NO LONGER THE EXTENDED WORKBENCH

Mexico wants to become a modern industrial state. Visiting companies there has shown that, despite big ambitions, the country still has a long way to go.

"MOSCOW IS READY TO USE PROTECTIONISM"

As the largest agricultural country in the world, Russia's demand for machinery is extremely high and the state wants to meet this demand primarily through the use of domestic technology. As a result, Russia's continuing protectionist policies are hitting the international agricultural machinery industry hard.