As per VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies meeting of trade associations in Munich, sales in the textile care, fabric and leather technologies sector rose 11.4 per cent in real terms from January to August 2018 compared to previous year. The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) represents more than 3,200 primarily medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, making it the largest industrial association in Europe.
Elgar Straub, Managing Director, VDMA revealed exports by the sector, which brings together manufacturers of sewing and garment technology, shoe and leather technology as well as laundry and dry cleaning technology, increased 6.2 per cent in 2017 from €1.049 billion in 2016 to €1.114 billion in 2017.
Protectionist measures in the US and other parts of the world are exacerbating the free trade debate. The export-oriented mechanical engineering industry is dependent on open markets, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, which cannot react by relocating production.
