In October 2025, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 1% higher than in the previous year.
Domestic demand rose by 21% compared to the same month last year, while incoming orders from abroad fell by 7%. The eurozone recorded an increase in orders of 5% compared to the previous year, while the non-eurozone saw a decline of 13%.
In the three-month comparison from August to October 2025, which is less affected by short-term fluctuations, there was a 7% increase in total incoming orders. Domestic orders rose by 7% compared to the same period last year. Foreign business also increased by 7%. Demand from the eurozone rose by 3%, while incoming orders from outside the eurozone increased by 9%.
The figures show consolidation at a low level, as the previous year’s October was one of the weaker months in 2024. The increase in a three-month comparison is pleasing, but should not hide the fact that North Rhine-Westphalia’s mechanical and plant engineering sector continues to lack the necessary investment from domestic and foreign customers for a sustainable economic recovery.