The eastern German mechanical and plant engineering industry is struggling with a significant drop in orders. Orders fell by 15 percent in the first quarter, contrary to the national trend, according to the industry association VDMA Ost. This was mainly due to low demand from abroad. While domestic business increased by 16 percent, orders from other countries fell by 22 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year, adjusted for price.
"Our members' customers are currently investing primarily in maintenance and efficiency of the status quo," said Oliver Köhn, Managing Director of VDMA East, explaining the latest development. "Major investment decisions are being postponed due to geopolitical uncertainties."
