In February 2026, incoming orders in mechanical and plant engineering in North Rhine‑Westphalia were down a real 21 percent year on year, with declines of 38 percent in domestic orders and 8 percent in foreign orders; the non‑euro area recorded a decrease of 12 percent, while the euro area stagnated.
In February 2026, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine‑Westphalia fell short of the previous year’s level by a real 21 percent. Domestic orders declined by 38 percent, while orders from abroad were down 8 percent. Within foreign demand, orders from non‑euro area countries contributed a decrease of 12 percent, while orders from the euro area remained unchanged (±0 percent).
In the less volatile three‑month period from December 2025 to February 2026, incoming orders decreased by 6 percent compared to the previous year. Domestic demand fell by 19 percent, whereas foreign demand increased by 1 percent. Orders from the euro area declined by 5 percent year on year, while incoming orders from the non‑euro area exceeded the 2025 level by 3 percent.
Mechanical and plant engineering in North Rhine‑Westphalia continues to lack noticeable economic stimulus. Ongoing and new geopolitical conflicts are creating uncertainty and weighing on companies’ planning security. Order intake remains weak—particularly from domestic customers—underscoring the continued reluctance to invest and highlighting the need for action to improve the framework conditions. Without new momentum and solution‑oriented approaches, this restraint is unlikely to ease in the coming months.