Machining centres for metal market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for machining centres for metal in Germany experienced significant fluctuations. In 2018, strong demand for metal products, especially tanks and containers, boosted production, while market consolidation through mergers of smaller firms began to facilitate investments in new automated production lines. This contributed to a market size of 3 387 units. The following year, strategic investments in raw material security, such as the CERATIZIT group's stake in Stadler Metalle to focus on carbide tool recycling, supported production capacity, helping the market expand to 5 106 units in 2019. In 2020, the market contracted to 2 480 units, a period that saw the industry initiate a push towards more sustainable production driven by rising energy costs and CO₂ emission reduction targets.

The market recovered in 2021, reaching 3 733 units, fueled by the increased integration of automation and digital manufacturing into metalworking machines, particularly high-precision CNC systems, alongside continued market consolidation and investments in robotics to enhance production capabilities. By 2023, the introduction of intelligent machining centres with real-time analysis and adaptive programming, exemplified by DMG Mori's offerings, improved cycle times and reduced error rates. This technological advancement supported further market growth to 4 557 units, despite a challenging environment with stagnant demand from weak construction and automotive sectors.

The broader period through 2024 was characterized by a sustained focus on sustainability and CO₂ reduction, intensified state and private investments in automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing technologies to maintain competitiveness, and the launch of new AI-integrated machinery such as Trumpf's laser cutting machines. Ongoing market consolidation allowed smaller firms to merge, enabling necessary investments in new technologies, while rising raw material prices and supply chain issues underscored the growing importance of recycling and circular economy practices.

Production machining centres for metal in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of machining centres for metal experienced a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 2 703 million US dollars, but by 2020, it had fallen sharply to 1 712 million US dollars, marking a significant 36.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 26.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Germany produced 4 630 units of machining centres for metal, a sharp 32.9% decline from the 6 897 units recorded in 2019, which was the peak year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 17.9%, with an average annual decline of 6.4%. The largest increase was in 2019, when production grew by 25.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Exports machining centres for metal from Germany

Exports in kind, unit

Germany's exports of machining centres for metal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports fell to 3 851 units, a strong 23.1% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 37.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of machining centres for metal were widely distributed across markets. China accounted for 15.3% of exports in kind, the United States for 8.3%, and Italy for 7.7%, with these three countries together representing only 31.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of machining centres for metal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 1 608 million US dollars, down 29.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.2%, with an average annual decline of 15.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 2 789 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of machining centres for metal in value terms were spread across a broad range of partners. China accounted for 23.9% of exports in value terms, the United States for 11.7%, and Italy for 6.4%, with these three countries together making up only 42.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports machining centres for metal to Germany

Imports in kind, unit

Germany's imports of machining centres for metal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports fell to 1 701 units, a steep 47.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 44.9%, with an average annual decline of 18.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 3 784 units, which also saw the largest increase of 22.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's imports of machining centres for metal in kind were sourced from a wide range of partners. Japan accounted for 18.0% of imports in kind, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 15.8%, and South Korea for 15.5%, with these three together representing only 49.2% of total import flows, while the remaining 50.8% came from many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of machining centres for metal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 276 million US dollars, reflecting a steep 44.4% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 38.6%, with an average annual decline of 15.0%. The peak value was in 2018 at 576 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 27.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Germany's imports of machining centres for metal in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. Japan accounted for 22.3% of imports in value terms, Switzerland for 14.9%, and the United Kingdom for 11.6%, with these three countries together making up only 48.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020