VDMA: Weak Economic Conditions in the General Air Technology Sector

In 2025, order intake in the general ventilation sector remained 5 percent below the previous year’s level in real terms. While domestic business declined significantly by 14 percent, international orders provided a stabilizing influence with a 5 percent increase. At the start of 2026, there was a noticeable upturn: In the first three months, total order intake was 22 percent higher than in the same period the previous year, driven in particular by international orders (up 37 percent). However, the comparable period in 2025 was marked by very weak order volumes. “The economic trend in general ventilation technology is two-fold. While domestic business is under pressure, the international market is becoming increasingly important as a driver of growth. It essentially compensates for weak domestic demand,” says Robert Hild, Managing Director of the VDMA General Air Technology Association. “The current figures clearly show that companies in the general air technology sector rely on international markets to offset economic weaknesses at home. At the same time, developments in the eurozone remain a decisive factor for the further stabilization of demand,” explains Hild. “It is now important to set the right course: a strong European single market, open markets, and reliable trade policy conditions are key prerequisites for growth.”

Foreign Trade and Europe Are Anchors of Stability

In 2025, foreign trade proved to be an important anchor of stability for the industry. Exports of general air technology from Germany reached a volume of 14.5 billion euros, slightly exceeding the previous year’s figure (up 1 percent). Regional trends varied: While exports to the U.S., the largest single market, declined moderately by 5 percent, the decline in China was significantly steeper at 14 percent. The EU internal market maintained its central role with 2 percent growth and continued to account for more than half of total exports. This close European integration was also reflected on the import side. In 2025, the value of imports amounted to approximately 11.6 billion euros, of which about 7.9 billion euros originated from the 27 EU countries. The figures illustrate the high degree of interdependence based on the division of labor within Europe.

International Business Strengthens the Industry’s Resilience

The General Air Technology sector expects business performance to stabilize in 2026, with a nominal increase in revenue of around 1 percent compared to the previous year. Key drivers continue to come from international markets as well as from comparatively stable demand in Europe. However, the environment remains challenging: geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and widely varying developments in key sales markets are causing ongoing uncertainty. Domestically, the weak economy, high bureaucratic burdens, and complex regulatory requirements are dampening the willingness to invest. Against this backdrop, the companies’ broad international presence is proving to be a key factor in the industry’s stability. The slight increase in export figures at the beginning of the year suggests that international business could provide additional growth momentum as the year progresses—even if the overall trend remains volatile and is heavily dependent on the global environment.