Opportunities versus challenges shape the current mood

German exports of air handling technology increased by a good 4 percent in nominal terms from January to July 2022. In real terms, this represents a slight decline. Due to China’s current weak growth, German exports of air handling technology to the People’s Republic fell by 7 percent in nominal terms. By comparison, exports to the USA rose strongly by 13 percent. By contrast, the nominal increase in exports to the EU was significantly lower at 3 percent.

According to an analysis of the current economic survey, companies in the general ventilation and air-conditioning sector expect nominal sales growth of 5 percent for 2022 as a whole. Expectations for the current year thus remain unchanged compared with the spring survey. However, a downturn is expected for 2023. Here, air handling technology companies expect nominal growth of only 2 percent. Due to the increase in price indices, this means an average real decline for the industry as a whole.

Air pollution control and drying technology both expect a nominal increase of 2 percent in 2023. Suppliers of air conditioning and ventilation technology – especially manufacturers of fans – are slightly more positive about the outlook for 2023.

The companies supplying other sectors of industry tend to see considerable risks and challenges for their existence in the coming year. Mechanical engineering companies are currently experiencing a significant backlog of orders. Risks such as supply bottlenecks for materials and intermediates, a lack of expensive transport capacities and a shortage of skilled workers are offset by potential opportunities. The potential for success lies in the high demand for energy-optimized systems and energy-efficient solutions.

There is a prospect that individual bottlenecks will ease more quickly than expected. However, there is a risk that orders will be postponed or even cancelled due to significant cost increases in customer industries. In addition, a weakening of order intake in the air handling technology sector is already noticeable.

Hands-on technology
For the fourth time, the VDMA Air Handling Technology Association and member companies are presenting the VDMA special show at POWTECH, which is being held in Nuremberg from today up to and including September 29. The focus is on the efficient separation of harmful dusts and effective emission prevention.

The exhibiting member companies come from the fields of dust removal technology, fire and explosion protection, and drying technology. And measurement technology systems and techniques for use in laboratory operations are also part of the joint exhibition. The technologies on display make a significant contribution to occupational safety and environmental standards in the fields of air pollution control and drying. The exhibits are suitable for the special requirements of the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Visit us in hall 3, booth 139.