After a record year in 2023, sales of construction equipment produced in Germany fell in 2024 by 21 per cent in real terms and 20 per cent in nominal terms, the VDMA reports.
The biggest decline was in construction equipment, down 26 per cent, followed by earthmoving equipment, down 23 per cent, and road construction equipment, down 14 per cent. One of the main reasons for this is that sales of construction equipment in the home market of Germany slumped by 31 per cent, the biggest decline since 2009. The European market also saw sales fall by more than 20 per cent. The gloomy global economy meant that exports outside Europe were unable to improve the picture significantly.
At the VDMA’s annual construction equipment manufacturers’ conference in Frankfurt, the general consensus was that manufacturers expect sales to grow by around 5 per cent in 2025 if the framework conditions for companies are right.
“Everyone has to play their part. A stable government here in Germany is a basic prerequisite, especially as the construction equipment industry’s business in North America is on shaky ground due to the new US administration,” emphasised Joachim Strobel, chairman of the VDMA Construction – Equipment and Plant Engineering Association.
“We can only continue to appeal to politicians in Germany and Europe to finally take measures to reduce bureaucracy and deregulation,” added Franz-Josef Paus, chairman of the VDMA Construction Equipment Division.
The main risks are a delay in the formation of a government in Germany after 23 February, continued unfair competition from Chinese manufacturers and geopolitical tensions. The main markets of Europe and North America are unpredictable, while the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, is currently a booming region and is offering opportunities.
The industry is expecting positive momentum from bauma (7-13 April 2025). The world’s largest trade fair in terms of exhibition space is fully booked, and the VDMA, as a conceptual sponsor, will be present with an extensive supporting programme.
