VALVE WORLD EXPO: Valve Industry Shows Strength in Challenging Times
Axel Weidner, Shareholder Mankenberg GmbH, Chairman VDMA Valves and Dr. Laura Dorfer, Managing Director VDMA Valves (Image source: VDMA e.V.)
From December 3 to 5, 2024, VALVE WORLD EXPO in Düsseldorf will once again be the meeting place for the international valve industry. The trade fair presents the industry's entire spectrum – from high-tech solutions for the process industry to sustainable technologies and applications for various customer industries.
Challenging economic conditions
The trade fair is taking place in a difficult economic environment. In Germany, the turnover of industrial valves manufacturers fell by 4 percent in nominal terms by the end of September 2024. However, foreign business developed positively and rose by 11 percent in nominal terms. Overall, turnover in the first nine months rose by 5 percent in nominal terms. In real terms, however, this corresponded to a decline of 1 percent. The outlook remains subdued. In real terms, incoming orders up to the end of September were down 6 percent on the same period last year. The faltering economy in Europe and uncertainties on the international markets are shaping sentiment.
“The VALVE WORLD EXPO is more important than ever for our industry at the moment. Especially in a mixed market environment like this, we need positive impulses and exchange in order to strengthen our innovative power and competitiveness,” says Axel Weidner, Chairman of VDMA Valves and shareholder of Mankenberg GmbH. ”We are convinced that the valve industry is an enabler for future topics such as the energy transition, hydrogen, clean water and recycling management. The dialog at the trade fair opens new perspectives for us here and gives us the chance to raise awareness of the enormous capabilities of our industry. I am pleased to be able to contribute to this myself in a panel discussion at the Valve World Expo Forum.”
Export business remains stable
After a good previous year, the export business remained stable in the first three quarters of 2024. Industrial valves worth around 4 billion euros were exported abroad. This corresponds to a nominal increase of 0.8 percent compared to the same period last year.
Exports to the most important customer country, China, in particular rose significantly by 14.7 percent to 497 million euros. Exports to the second most important trading partner, the USA, rose slightly by 1.7 percent to 414 million euros. France, on the other hand, recorded a decline of 8.0 percent, but remains the third most important market.
New impetus expected from abroad
It remains to be seen whether the industry will be able to continue its successful course abroad in 2025. “VALVE WORLD could also provide important impetus here, because we expect numerous visitors from all over the world,” comments Dr. Laura Dorfer, managing director of VDMA Valves.
In addition to new products and technical innovations, the trade fair will also focus on future-oriented topics such as digitalization, automation and sustainability. “With these focal points, the trade fair is underlining its role as an international pacemaker for the industry,” emphasizes Dr. Dorfer.
“As the new conceptual sponsor, we look forward to a stronger presence at VALVE WORLD EXPO and to offering our member companies attractive formats for successfully tapping into new markets. [...]”
Source: VDMA e. V.
