According to the report from Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), in December 2018, incoming orders in the German mechanical engineering sector fell short of the previous year's level by 8%.

“The 10% decline in Germany was particularly disappointing," said VDMA economic expert Olaf Wortmann.

"The 8% drop in foreign orders, on the other hand, can be put into perspective. In December 2017, there were more large installations business from the non-euro area than at the end of last year," he explained. It is pleasing to note that orders from the euro partner countries increased by 22% year-on-year in December. By contrast, 17% fewer orders came from non-euro countries.

"It is pleasing to note that orders from the euro partner countries increased by 22% year-on-year in December."

In 2018 as a whole, machine builders recorded a 6% increase in domestic orders, while orders from abroad rose by 4%.