Order intake in the machinery and plant engineering sector remained well below the previous year's figure in June 2023, with orders falling by 15 percent in real terms. For the first half of 2023, this resulted in a drop in orders of 14 percent in real terms. Orders fell by 15 percent in real terms. There were 18 percent fewer orders from Germany and 14 percent fewer orders from abroad. Only orders from the euro countries showed a comparatively more positive development, with a decline of only 2 percent, while the non-euro countries were down 19 percent.
"This means that the balance for the first half of the year is clearly negative. Although numerous companies are still drawing on high order backlogs, the air is starting to get tight in terms of new orders. A turnaround is not yet in sight," says Dr. Ralph Wiechers, Chief Economist of the VDMA.
The bottom line for the first half of 2023 was a year-on-year decline in order intake of 14 percent in real terms. From January to June inclusive, domestic orders fell by 11 percent, and 15 percent fewer orders came from abroad (euro countries: minus 16 percent, non-euro countries: minus 15 percent).
"The machinery and plant engineering sector is now feeling the full impact of the hesitant propensity to invest in practically all sales regions. The causes are manifold. The effects of the restrictive monetary policy to curb inflation are making themselves felt. So are the uncertainties in the face of tough geopolitical disputes. And, of course, the readjustment of companies and their business models as a result of the transformation. All in all, an unhealthy mix of diverse burdens that have to be reduced step by step before things can pick up significantly," explains the VDMA chief economist.
