THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL / THE TRADE SHOW
18.06.2025
J - Service companies
Difficult economic outlook as structural challenges persist
During its Economic Committee meeting organised for its General Assembly held in San Sebastián, CECIMO, the European Association of Manufacturing Technologies, pointed out the challenges this sector faced in 2024, and highlighted the upcoming risks and opportunities raised by political and economic uncertainties that continue disrupting business operations.
CECIMO estimations for 2025 suggest a fragile and uncertain period, characterized by geopolitical instability, policy uncertainty, the intensification of global conflicts, and the persistence of structural economic challenges, exacerbated by the rise of trade barriers that threaten to further undermine global trade dynamics.
For instance, CECIMO production projections point to a further decrease of around 7.5% in 2025. Machine Tools consumption levels in European countries are expected to decline, even though at a slower pace, by 1.1% in 2025, while global consumption of MT is expected to grow by 4.9% during the same period.
Fundamental to Europe’s strategic industries
All the described factors point to a difficult period for Europe’s machine tool sector. As other global regions deploy targeted investments and coherent industrial strategies, Europe risks losing global leadership in this strategic field. This decline jeopardizes value chains, reduce strategic autonomy, and increase systemic dependence on external suppliers for critical production capabilities.
”Machine tools and advanced manufacturing technologies are fundamental to Europe’s strategic industries. They drive industrial productivity, support innovation, and are essential for maintaining global competitiveness and securing market share in key high-value sectors. If Europe’s manufacturing technology base continues to erode, the spillover effects may undermine the competitiveness of downstream industries and increase dependence on external suppliers for essential production technologies. Without decisive action to reverse these trends, Europe risks ceding ground not only in manufacturing technology but in the broader industries that rely on it.’’ commented François Duval, CECIMO President.
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