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The US government’s customs policy is also having an impact here. Nevertheless, companies are investing in new technological developments. “Our member companies continue to demonstrate remarkable stability, but optimism has noticeably declined,” says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the Additive Manufacturing Working Group within the VDMA that brings together manufacturers and users both from the metal and plastics sectors.
The fall 2025 survey conducted by the Working Group shows that the industry is moving sideways in a challenging market environment. While some companies report positive revenues, the proportion has not increased compared to the spring 2025 survey. At the same time, 29 percent of companies reported declining revenues over the past 12 months. In the past six months, this figure was only 20 percent and has not risen.
“We currently see no clear upward trend, but rather a phase of consolidation,” Heering explains. Companies are responding cautiously, focusing more on efficiency and stability rather than growth.
Optimism is no longer at the high level seen in previous surveys. Looking ahead to the next 24 months, only 63 percent of respondents expect growth in the domestic market − 14 percent fewer than in the spring survey. Regarding exports, 51 percent of member companies anticipate an increase over the next 24 months, which is 13 percent less than in the spring.
