Published on: February 3, 2025 / update from: February 3, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
German machines: An indispensable element of the US industry-Image: Xpert.digital
German-American synergy: top-class mechanical engineering in the USA
German-American synergy: top-class mechanical engineering in the USA
The United States of America, an economic power of global format, are not only an important sales market for German mechanical engineering, but a fundamental pillar of their own export strategy. The German mechanical engineering industry, known for its specialization, its high technological level of development and its innovative strength, plays a key role in the American industrial world. This role goes far beyond mere trade; It is a testimony to mutual dependency and the profound interrelation of the two economic systems. German mechanical engineers are not only suppliers of tailor-made solutions for highly complex tasks, but also benefit from generous US economic programs and structural deficits in the American mechanical engineering sector themselves.
German technology as a backbone of the US industry
The importance of the German mechanical engineering industry for the USA is documented by impressive figures. In 2023, German machine exports to the United States achieved a record of $ 37 billion-a considerable plus of 19 % compared to the previous year. Germany thus exceeded importers such as China and Japan and consolidated its position as the most important supplier of machines and systems. This enormous success is not only due to chance, but the strategic orientation of the German manufacturers on specialized products and technologies.
German manufacturers are simply irreplaceable in crucial industries such as precision machine construction (lithograph, laser technology), packaging automation and the construction sector (floor compressor, deep drilling devices). Many US companies are unable to produce these highly specialized technologies locally. The technological gap between the two countries that has arisen in recent decades manifests itself in an impressive way.
Drive forces of demand: A look at the most important factors
The demand for German machines in the USA is powered by a number of factors that reinforce each other. Three of these factors are particularly emphasized:
Infrastructure programs and government investments
The US government has launched extensive economic stimulus programs in recent years to strengthen and modernize the American economy. The "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" with a volume of $ 1.2 trillion by 2028 and the "Chips Act" with subsidies of $ 39 billion are just two examples for these measures. These programs have created an enormous need for special machines for construction, semiconductor production and other sectors. An impressive example of this is the increase in the imports of construction and mining machines by 35 % in 2022 to $ 19 billion.
The United States' Dein industrialization
The de-industrialization, which has been taking place in the United States since the 1980s, has led to the United States lost in many key areas of mechanical engineering in competence and production capacities. This development has left a gap that German mechanical engineers willingly close. The VDMA, the Association of German Machine and Plant Construction, has repeatedly emphasized this in the past. The association explained that "German machines fill a gap that was created by decades of dein industrialization". This statement underlines the importance of German technology for maintaining the US industry. While American manufacturers are still leading in some areas, such as at universal systems (such as Caterpillar), they rely on imports from Germany in many specialized areas.
The energy transition and the expansion of electromobility
The US government has set itself ambitious goals in terms of energy transition and electromobility. By 2040, all newly approved cars in the United States are to be powered. This transformation requires a massive expansion of the production capacities for batteries, electric motors and other components of electromobility. In this context, German mechanical engineers benefit from the establishment of so -called “gigafactories” and recycling systems for batteries. The “Inflation Reduction Act” with a volume of $ 369 billion also promotes these developments.
Strategic adjustments to the industry: response to new challenges
The German mechanical engineering industry recognized the challenges of the global economy and strategically geared towards it. Two aspects should be emphasized:
Localization
Many German mechanical engineers have recognized that a stronger local presence in the United States is crucial to remain competitive and to meet the requirements of the market. By 2025, 75 % of German mechanical engineers plan to expand their US presence. This is done in the form of new production facilities (37 %), the expansion of service networks (66 %) and the increase in staff. Through these measures, companies want to be closer to their customers, respond faster to their needs and reduce costs. This strategy is also a reaction to the geopolitical uncertainties of recent times.
Protectionism as a challenge
The German mechanical engineering industry is faced with the possible return of protectionism and the imposition of punitive tariffs. Donald Trump's presidency could bring tariffs of 10 % to imports. In response to this, more and more German companies are moving parts of their production to the United States to avoid the effects of tariffs and generate local added value. This strategy is an answer to the increasing trade voltages and the associated risks.
Future perspectives: a long -term attractive market
Despite the economic fluctuations, the US market for German mechanical engineers remains attractive in the long term. The market volume for machines is expected to grow to $ 1.2 trillion by 2032. German manufacturers secure their position through their technology leadership, their flexible location strategies and their ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the market. These factors ensure that the United States will continue to be dependent on know-how and technology from Germany in order to achieve its industrial goals. German technology has proven to be essential for the modernization of the US industry.
German machines enjoy a high reputation
In the United States, German machines enjoy an excellent reputation, especially in high technology segments and specialized branches of industry. The demand for these machines is driven by a combination of technological leadership, the lack of local alternatives and extensive state funding programs. German engineering is recognized worldwide and is seen as an epitome for precision, reliability and efficiency. These properties make German machines a preferred choice for demanding tasks.
Leading machine categories: a detailed look
The variety of German machine exports in the USA reflects the width of German mechanical engineering. However, some categories are particularly noteworthy:
Packaging and food machines
With exports worth 1.3 billion euros (January to October 2023), this is the highest sales area. German systems dominate automation solutions for food processing and intelligent packaging systems. The high efficiency and precision of these machines are indispensable for the food industry. The ability to automate complex production processes enables US companies to reduce costs and at the same time increase product quality.
Machine tools and CNC processing centers
German manufacturers such as DMG Mori deliver high-precision machine tools for the US automotive and aviation industry. In 2022, machine tools worth $ 480 million were imported, which are mainly used in metal processing. The accuracy and reliability of these machines are crucial for the production of high -quality components and components. They enable US companies to manage complex tasks and to perform the highest quality standards.
Construction and mining machines
Special devices such as street rollers (birds) and deep drilling machines (farmer) achieved an import volume of $ 19 billion in 2022. The “Infrastructure Investment Act” “Infrastructure Investment Act” is strongly demanded, which led to an increase in construction and mining machine imports by 35 % in 2022. The robust and powerful machines are of crucial importance for the infrastructure projects in the USA.
Industrial robots and automation systems
German companies such as Kuka and Siemens provide robot solutions for US automobile works and electronics production. Cobots (collaborative robots) have had double -digit growth rates since 2023. The increasing automation in the US industry requires flexible and efficient robot solutions. German robot manufacturers are leaders in this area and offer innovative technologies for a variety of applications.
Precision technology for the semiconductor industry
Lithography machines from the trump card and laser systems for chipbares benefit greatly from the "chips act". German technology covers 68 % of the US requirement in high-precision manufacturing systems. The semiconductor industry is a strategically important sector for the USA, and German machines play a key role in the production of microchips and other components. The high precision and reliability of these machines are indispensable for the production of the latest semiconductors.
Market leader and expansion trends: a selection of companies
A number of German companies have expanded their presence in the United States in recent years and established themselves as market leaders:
Miele
The manufacturer of household appliances plans to open its first US work in Georgia in 2026. This investment underlines the company's commitment to the US market and the importance of local production.
Steel
The manufacturer of garden technology has expanded its production facility in the USA with an investment of $ 50 million. This measure shows trust in the US market and the potential for further growth.
Flot path
The company, which specializes in separation systems, runs a production facility in Kentucky. Local production enables the company to react more flexibly to the requirements of the US market.
Pfeiffer vacuum
The company is one of the leading manufacturers of vacuum pumps and operates a production facility in New Hampshire. This production facility ensures that the company's products can be delivered quickly and efficiently to US customers.
Krones
The manufacturer of beverage filling systems has an extensive service network with bases in twelve states. A strong service network is crucial for customer satisfaction and long-term success in the US market.
Driver of popularity: the reasons for success
The popularity of German machines in the USA can be attributed to the following factors:
Technology pieces
73 % of US manufacturing capacities for high-precision machines come from Germany. The technological gap is an essential factor for the success of the German mechanical engineers in the USA.
"Local-for-Local" strategy
75 % of German mechanical engineers are planning to build US production facilities by 2025. This strategy enables companies to reduce costs, to respond to customer needs faster and to better adapt to the specific requirements of the US market.
Subsiders
62 % of VDMA members benefit directly from the US industrial programs. State funding supports investments and strengthens the competitiveness of German companies.
A long -term partnership
Despite the economy with an export growth of +2.1 % in the first quarter of 2024 compared to +12.6 % in 2023, the US market with a forecast sales of $ 1.2 trillion will remain a strategically central market for the German mechanical engineering. The combination of technological specialization, local presence and the ability to adapt to the changing market conditions continues to ensure a strong market position for German manufacturers. The relationship between the USA and German mechanical engineering is a long -term partnership based on mutual respect and recognition of the respective strengths. The United States needs the know-how and technology from Germany to achieve its industrial goals. At the same time, the German mechanical engineering industry benefits from the large and dynamic US market. This partnership will continue to be crucial for both sides in the future. German technology is not just an important export article, but an indispensable part of American industry. It is a guarantee of innovation, efficiency and sustainability.
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