VDMA: Orders decline once again

In May 2019, incoming orders in the mechanical engineering sector in Germany fell again by 7 percent in real terms. While domestic demand almost stagnated (minus 1 per cent), orders from abroad were 9 per cent below the previous year's relatively high level.

"The mechanical engineering companies are feeling the effects of the weak performance of the exporting industry very clearly, many investors are pulling the brakes," explained VDMA chief economist Dr. Ralph Wiechers. Incoming orders from the euro partner countries fell by 6 percent in May, while 10 percent fewer orders were received from the rest of the world.

In a three-month comparison from March to May 2019, orders were 9 percent down on the prior-year figure in real terms. While domestic orders fell by 11 percent, incoming orders from abroad fell by 8 percent. Orders from the euro zone fell by 5 percent, while orders from non-euro countries fell by 10 percent.

Source and photo: VDMA